Published May 12, 2021
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The girls’ tennis team is thrilled to be back on the court this season.
The Pioneers concluded the 2019 season with a 13-9 overall record. Lynnfield qualified for the Division 3 North state tournament, and the fifth seeded Pioneers fell 3-2 to 12th seed Pentucket in the first round.
In the wake of last season being canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pioneers are looking forward to getting back on the court and making up for lost time.
“We are returning three varsity letter winners,” said Pioneers head coach Craig Stone. “We would be returning more if there would have been a 2020 season. Regardless, our team will be competitive and, as always, will be in the hunt for league and sectional titles.”
Senior captains Megan Nevils and Emma Gallucci will be leading the Pioneers this spring.
“Megan and Emma have both been varsity starters since their freshmen year,” said Stone. “Megan played first singles in both her freshman and sophomore seasons. Emma played predominantly first doubles, and earned Cape Ann League All-Star recognition both years. Both are early favorites to contend for the top two singles positions this season. Not only are they talented players, both of them are extremely team-oriented and enthusiastic.”
Stone said senior Ava Buonfiglio and junior Anna Radulski, who started on the Pioneers during her freshman year, “will be in the hunt for the top three singles positions.” He said Buonfiglio and fellow seniors Emily Goguen and Gabi Mellor will be playing their first varsity matches in the starting lineup this spring.
“Gabi, Emily and junior Lauren Grava will be handling doubles play to start the season along with sophomore Genna Gioioso,” said Stone.
Stone also noted that juniors Sarah Breslow, Maddy McCarthy and Emma Neenan are suiting up for the Pioneers once again.
The Pioneers have several promising new additions this season, including junior Amanda Buckley, junior Sarah Lombardi, sophomore Alana Villar and freshman Leticia Marafon.
Stone noted that this year marks his 40th season coaching the Pioneers.
“It’s one of those things that just kind of sneaks up on you,” said Stone. “I have been very fortunate to coach a lot of talented players during that time, and we have been able to experience quite a bit of success. I would also not have lasted this long without the support of the parents, school administration and the community.”
Stone said the Pioneers as well as opposing teams will need to abide by COVID-19 safety protocols this season.
“Players will have to wear masks and be socially distanced,” said Stone. “There will be no limit on fans as long as they are socially distant. There are no playing rule modifications other than players not shaking hands.”
Stone said the singles players’ experience will be one of the Pioneers’ strengths this season. He said it will take some time for the doubles teams to get comfortable with each other.
“Our doubles teams will be newly formed and will have to form new team chemistry and develop complimentary playing styles,” said Stone. “However, they have played mostly doubles, although not with each other, in past years and should adapt quickly. Regardless, there is good team spirit and everyone is excited to get back on the court.”
Stone said it will take time for the Pioneers to build “confidence.”
“With all eight players expected to play new positions, there will be an inauguration period, especially for those playing in their first varsity matches,” said Stone. “However, once they go through that baptismal experience, they will quickly realize they have the ability to experience success and will gain the confidence needed to handle any adversity that comes their way.”
