Published in the June 14, 2017 edition
CAPE ANN LEAGUE Player of the Year Sarah Mezini lost her first singles match in straight sets, 4-6, 1-6, during the girls’ tennis team’s 5-0 loss to Martha’s Vineyard in the Division 3 North state semifinals June 12. (Dan Pawlowski Photo)
By DAN PAWLOWSKI
LEXINGTON – Another phenomenal season for the Lynnfield girls’ tennis team came to close June 12, as the Division 3 North sectional champion Pioneers lost to two-time reigning state champion, and Division 3 South champion Martha’s Vineyard 5-0.
“I have no doubt in my mind that each of our players gave 110 percent,” said head coach Craig Stone. “We just met a deeper and more talented team today.”
The Pioneers concluded the season with a 19-2 overall record.
It was the third straight year that Lynnfield and Martha’s Vineyard squared off in the state semifinals. The Vineyard won the last two years as well, and went on to win the state championship both years. Martha’s Vineyard is viewed as the favorites to win a third straight state title.
Senior captain Sarah Mezini lost to Kat Roberts 4-6, 1-6 in the first singles match, which drew the largest crowd.
Senior captain Camie Foley lost to Kelly Klaren in straight sets, 0-6, 0-6, in the second singles match.
Senior captain Katie Nevils lost to Rebecca Scott 0-6, 1-6 in the third singles match.
The first doubles tandem of senior captain Katie Nugent and sophomore Alexa Vittiglio lost to Lizzie Williamson and Hannah Rabasca 1-6, 2-6.
Stone was especially pleased with the fight shown by the second doubles duo of seniors Laura Mucci and Allison Carey, who dropped both sets to Paige Logue and Molly Logue 1-6, 3-6.
It was a scorcher of a day with temperatures reaching 94 degrees, and fatigue was certainly a factor, especially in the singles matches.
Stone commended the Pioneers’ performance against Martha’s Vineyard.
“I seriously believe we are the second best team in the state,” said Stone.
The Pioneers have nothing to hang their head about in losing to a powerhouse program. Although it is a bittersweet ending to the six seniors in the starting lineup, it has been an historic run for an extremely talented and hard-working group of seniors. In addition to saying goodbye to Mezini, Foley, Nevils, Nugent, Mucci and Carey, the Pioneers are also losing fellow seniors Rachel Collins and Rachel Strout.
Stone noted some mind-boggling stats for this group including a 79-5 overall record, four sectional championships, a state championship and a combined 23 years of experience.
“I couldn’t be more proud of them,” said Stone of the senior class. “They have been around and contributing one way or the other, if not on the court then off the court, supporting their teammates. Now their teammates got to support them. It’s a nice maturation you like to see in sports, as they pay their dues and then be rewarded by having the opportunity to be in the spotlight. That’s what it’s all about.”
