Melrose remains undefeated in Freedom league, 2-0
Published April 26, 2019
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—Even though Mother Nature has been sour this week, the Melrose Red Raider tennis team got in a game on Tuesday and lucky they did as it resulted in a 4-1 victory over Freedom League rival, Stoneham.
Melrose, at 3-2 overall, remains undefeated in the Middlesex Freedom League at 2-0. This is a division they’ve mastered for several years and they would love to take another title.
On Tuesday, Henry MacDonnell continued his strong season with a 6-2, 6-2 victory in first singles over his Spartan opponent. Teammate Zach Zibaitis took second singles in wins of 6-4, 6-0. And Griffin Castergine finished the single sweep with victories of 6-1, 6-3. Melrose’s only loss of the day was in first doubles when Jack Summersby and Nick Koen lost 6-2 6-2 to their Spartan rivals. But the duo of Tyler Janzen and Russell Darwin won prevailed, 7-5 and 6-4, for a final 4-1 victory.
THE MELROSE Red Raider tennis team prevailed over the Stoneham Spartans, 4-1 on Tuesday. (Donna Larsson photo)
And while, Melrose had no major problem against Stoneham, coach Matt William saw areas to improve upon. “Overall we did not play very well yesterday but I was happy to get the win,” he said. “Henry got us out to an early lead and played well. We struggle against teams that are backboards and just get the ball in play. We will continue to work on putting the ball away and work on serving more consistently.”
They get that chance when they host Watertown on Thursday (post deadline) at Lyons Court, as they look to pick up another league win.
