Published in the April 6, 2018 edition
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—Despite the challenging weather, the Melrose Lady Raider tennis team earned the distinction of being the first MHS team to start their varsity season when they opened at home against Arlington on Monday, April 2. Mother Nature had limited outdoor play during their pre-season, with only one court practice last week, but that didn’t thwart Melrose from kicking off their season in style. A rather cold style, that is.
“Given the weather conditions I am not discouraged,” says head coach Deb Deacon of their 5-0 loss to the Spy Ponders on Tuesday. “Arlington is a ‘big’ school and they played big tennis. But I saw all of the girls working hard, playing well, giving it their best.
A large and enthusiastic team returns this season. With thirty-four girls in the program, Melrose has plenty of tools this season to keep a competitive edge in an always-competitive Middlesex League. “I’m confident that as the weather warms up, we get more court time to practice and work on things, that we will continue to improve throughout the season,” says Deacon.
SENIOR CAPTAIN Emma Bates will help lead the Melrose High girls’ tennis team this season. (file photo)
Leading the team as captains this year are Emma Bates and Helen Burtnett, who will play singles and doubles, respectively, throughout the season.
“We have seven varsity members, several new to varsity this year,” confirms the coach. “Many returning players will be working hard to improve their game and improve in junior varsity match play. Several freshmen play tennis so they will be working their way into the junior varsity line up as well.”
One of their most exciting additions is in their #1 singles position, which a freshman may fill. Grace Sanderson, a tennis player at Bass River Club in Beverly, prevailed in early challenge-match play to vie for Melrose’s top singles spot. “She’s excited to be on the team and we’re looking forward to having her compete for us,” says the coach.
Playing second singles is Catherine Denning, who last year competed in doubles with sister Colleen. “Catherine has done some obvious work in the off-season and she is excited to play some singles,” says Deacon.
Emma Bates will round out third singles, a position she played last year. “She also played with some 2nd singles last season so she is a veteran of sorts,” reports her coach.
The returning doubles team of Annie Kavanaugh and Maeve McGilicuddy will be starting at 1st doubles, a move up from second doubles last year. “They look strong and ready to take on the challenge. Not new to tennis, but new to their partnership”
Captain Helen Burtnett and senior Hannah Brown will see time in second doubles. “They looked good together at practice and I am looking forward to watching them learn to play together and have some fun.”
Overall, Deacon is pleased with what she sees on the court. “We are looking forward to a warm and glorious spring as we return to the Crystal Street courts as our home court this year.”
