Win over Watertown a nice way to end

Published May 31, 2019

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—The Melrose High girls’ tennis team wrapped up their season on Friday, May 24 at home with a win over Watertown at the Crystal Street Courts. 

Coming up victorious for Melrose were Elise Nerden in third singles and the doubles pairs of Emma Miller/Haley Smith and Annie Kavanaugh/Maeve McGillicuddy. 

MELROSE SENIORS (from left) Annie Kavanaugh, Maeve McGillicuddy and Elise Nerden were honored during Senior Day at the Crystal Street courts in Melrose. (courtesy photo)

Overall, Melrose won six games this season, with plenty of memorable moments. On Friday, they were able to celebrate their seniors for their last match of the year. Anne Kavanaugh, Maeve McGillicuddy and Elise Nerden were honored by their team for their contributions to the program since freshman year. Co-captains Kavanaugh and McGillicuddy have served as double partners and Nerden was the team’s utility player. All three have been with the team four seasons. 

A personal highlight for Melrose coach Deb Deacon this season has been the team’s attitude and growth. “We focused a lot this season on learning to strategize and what it means to win a tennis match and not on the win-loss record. That strategy included more powerful serves, learning drop shots and lobs as well as learning how to play a net game.”

While their seniors certainly made their presence known this season, coach Deacon also expressed pride in the play of some underclassmen.

“Sophomore Grace Sanderson continues to be a force at 1st singles and she will continue to work hard in the off season to remain at #1. Junior and tri-captain, Christiana Csisek also showed great growth potential holding at 2nd singles. Freshman Mackenzie Donovan played every match at 3rd singles and she will be back.”

But also keep your eyes out for sophomores Emma Miller and Haley Smith. Says Deacon, “They were a force at 1st doubles this year. It will be interesting to see if they stay together or one might play singles next year. It all depends on the make-up of the team.”

Next season the team will be led by captains Janice Tang, Amber Chow and Christiana Csisek.