Beat rival Burlington, 3-2, to stay 8-1
Published June 4, 2021
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High girls tennis team remains a very strong 8-1 on the season thanks to a key league win over Burlington on Wednesday, May 26 by a score of 3-2 at a steamy Crystal Street Courts in Melrose. That was followed up by a Memorial Day victory over Wakefield, 3-2, keeping Melrose on pace to win the Middlesex Freedom League. A consecutive win over Wakefield next week would ensure a least a share of a league title.
Two of the matches, in second and third singles, proved to be down-to-the-wire thrillers in which Emma Miller and Ruby Robicheau battled for every point and prevailed.
“It was a very hot day but my players were well hydrated and ready for long matches,” reports Melrose head coach Lydia Mayes. “Second doubles won comfortably after finding their rhythm. Emma lost the first set 0-6 [second singles] but then figured out her opponent and stayed strong through the heat to win the next two sets. Ruby went into a tiebreaker to win the second set. The match was very back and forth in the second set but she won the tiebreaker easily 7-1.”
That work was aided by the flawless work in second singles by Haley Smith and Dara Casey, who remain undefeated. “Haley and Dara are playing beautifully together,” says the coach. “They have great chemistry on the court and communicate well.”
Representing Melrose in first singles was senior captain Grace Sanderson and in first doubles, Ava Picone and Mackenzie Donovan. Melrose is showing a depth that is allowing them to get creative and still win big matches. Says Mays, “Our team is deep, allowing us to make any adjustments and still win matches.”
Melrose has one more match against Wakefield to close the season. In order to secure a league title to share with Burlington, they must win. Burlington also shares a record of 8-1. It’s all cards on the table for Melrose.
The match against Wakefield on Monday will also mark Senior Day. Come down and support the team (and newly graduating seniors) at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. “We’d love all the support we can get at the Crystal Street Court,” says Mays.
