Melrose doing nicely against league foes
Published May 3, 2019
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High girls’ tennis team picked up two straight wins over Freedom League rivals Wakefield and Watertown to improve to 3-4 on the season.
Their home win against Wakefield on Monday at Crystal Street Court was impressive, as it included a solid come-from-behind win in singles. “This was a big win and we were thrilled with the victory,” said Melrose head coach Deb Deacon.
In first singles, Grace Sanderson enjoyed a come-from-behind win over Erica Pecjo. She had fallen, 6-2, in set one before prevailing in the second set 6-4, then because of time, a 3rd set tiebreaker was played in lieu of a 3rd set, and Sanderson prevailed 8-6. Deacon credited the player for her effort. “I was most proud of Grace, who has been playing #1 singles is the most difficult of all positions on the team. She has a serve that won’t quit when it is on.”
In second singles, Wakefield earned their only victory when Hannah Guay prevailed over Melrose’s MacKenzie Donovan, 6-3, 6-2. But Melrose picked up another win when Christiana Csiseck beat Kelly Hourihan in third singles 6-2, 6-3. The Lady Raiders were equally as successful in doubles. Haley Smith and Emma Miller beat Marisa Ogier and Effie Koutroubis in first doubles, 6-2, 6-4. And Annie Kavanaugh and Maeve McGillacuddy beat Haley Ogier and Panagiota Koutroubis in second doubles, 6-3, 6-2.
THE MELROSE girls’ tennis team is on a winning streak. Pictured is Christiana Csisek. (Donna Larsson photo)
This win came on the heels of their April 25 victory over Watertown on the road by a score of 4-1. Melrose’s Christina Csisek played in the #1 singles spot and beat her opponent in straight sets 6-0, 6-0. Freshman Mackenzie Donovan was moved to 2nd singles and had the battle match of the day against an evenly-matched opponent Jenna Petne, 7-5, 6-4. “Mackenzie really impressed me in this match today,” said Deacon. “She never gave up, even if she double-faulted, she got right back at the next serve and she strategized shots at her opponent. She worked angles and lobs, brought her opponent to the net and sent her back, she moved her around the court in an effort to out-smart her; and she did outsmart her for the win. It was a strong finish and we look forward to watching her continue to work hard at singles.”
Maddy Lyons at 3rd singles had a tough battle with Eva Kelleher, before falling in two sets 2-6, 1-6. “Maddy has played great,” says her coach. “Due to absences and illness, Maddy has stepped up in the line up to play in the 3rd singles position. She works hard and runs all balls down, never giving up or quitting. She helped the team stay in these matches and we are proud of her efforts.”
The first doubles team of Emma Miller and Haley Smith continues to improve. They finished in two sets 6-0, 6-2 for a win. Says their coach, “They are really understanding the game of tennis, what it means to strategize, hitting away from their opponents and winning points. They are beginning to develop their net game and they have fun angling shots away from their opponents during match play.”
Captains Maeve McGillicuddy and Annie Kavanaugh also finished in straight sets 6-1, 6-1 and played very well together. “They are refining their game and working hard at 2nd doubles,” says their coach.
Melrose hopes to keep up their winning ways when they next host Reading at home on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.
