THE SECOND DOUBLES TEAM of freshman Emma Wagon (left) and sophomore Vicky McCrann discuss strategy during the girls’ tennis team’s 5-0 victory over Swampscott on May 3. (Jamie Hayman Photo)

 

 

After press time:
Lynnfield defeats Amesbury 5-0 (May 13)
Lynnfield defeats North Reading 4-1 (May 10)
Lynnfield defeats North Andover 4-1 (May 9)
Lynnfield falls to Machester-Essex 3-2 (May 6)

 

 

Published May 8, 2024

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — The girls’ tennis team compiled a 2-1 record last week.

Lynnfield (5-2) defeated Swampscott on May 3.

Captain Paige Martino won her first singles match in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0.

Sophomore Lily Alves dismantled her second singles counterpart in two sets, 6-0, 6-0.

Senior captain Maddie Sieve cruised to a two-set victory during third singles, prevailing 6-0, 6-1.

“The singles players dominated,” said Pioneers head coach Craig Stone.

Senior captain Leticia Marafon and junior Ella Hayman won their first doubles match in three sets. After winning the first set 6-3, Marafon and Hayman lost the second set 2-6. Marafon and Hayman bounced back and won the third set tiebreaker 10-5.

“Leticia and Ella split sets,” said Stone. “With the team match already won, Leticia and Ella played a 10-point tiebreaker for the third set. Leticia and Ella jumped out early and hung on for the win.”

Sophomore Vicky McCrann and freshman Emma Wagon lost their second doubles match in two sets, 5-7, 4-6.

Stone commended the Pioneers for washing the Big Blue away.

“We have been playing Swampscott in a non-league match for years,” said Stone. “It’s always great competition, and to get a win over a higher division team is always a plus.”

Defeats Triton

The Pioneers shutout Triton 5-0 on May 1.

Martino dismantled her first singles counterpart in two sets, 6-1, 6-2.

Alves cruised to a two-set victory during second singles, prevailing 6-0, 6-0.

“Paige and Lilly were in control from start to finish,” said Stone.

Sieve won her third singles match in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4.

“Maddie led throughout the first set before her opponent settled down to make the second set very competitive,” said Stone.

Marafon and Hayman won their first doubles match in two sets, 6-1, 6-1.

Juniors Bella Nguyen and Parminder Saini won their first varsity tennis match after defeating their second doubles opponents 6-1, 6-1.

“Leticia and Ella dominated play from the baseline and net,” said Stone. “Bella and Parminder got a spot start and did not disappoint.”

Conquered by Generals

The Pioneers began last week falling 5-0 to two-time defending Division 4 state champion Hamilton-Wenham on April 29.

Martino lost her first singles match in two sets, 0-6, 1-6.

Alves dropped her second singles match in straight sets, 0-6, 0-6.

Sieve succumbed to her third singles counterpart in two sets, 3-6, 6-7.

“Both Paige and Lily played two of the top players not only in the league, but in New England,” said Stone. “Maddie was a point away from extending her match to three sets.”

Marafon and Hayman fell 4-6, 2-6 during their first doubles match.

McCrann and Wagon lost their second doubles match in two sets, 4-6, 3-6.

“The doubles teams, which keep improving each time out, just need to covert a few more opportunities when the advantage is in their favor,” said Stone.

Stone said the Pioneers gave a valiant effort against the Generals.

“The team score is not indicative of the level of individual match play,” said Stone. “Hamilton-Wenham, the returning two-time Division 4 state champs, were tested but survived. We put ourselves in a position to be successful, but we just need to execute a little better. When you play a team of the caliber of Hamilton-Wenham and get your chances to finish points, the ball you hit must be a little deeper, a little wider or have a little more pace to finish. We will continue to train, compete and use these matches for the feedback we need to continue to improve.”

Upcoming matches

The Pioneers hosted rival Manchester-Essex on Monday, May 6, taking place after deadline. Lynnfield travels to Newburyport on Wednesday, May 8, beginning at 3:30 p.m. The Pioneers travel to North Andover on Thursday, May 9, beginning at 3 p.m.