Published in the May 31, 2017 edition
THE BOYS’ TENNIS TEAM finished the regular season with a 10-5 overall record and is looking to make some noise in the state tourney. Kneeling, from left, Jeff Olsen, Jason Stelman, Anthony Wilkinson, Nick Dow, Alex Pellegrini, Jared Book and Mark Arkun. Middle row, from left, Michael Maffeo, Sean Murray, David Gentile, Andy DePalma, Matt Gunning, Marti Haro and Steven Scangas. Back row, from left, Coach Joe Dunn, Max Rothermund, captain Arlex Correa, captain Colin Lamusta, Michael Gentile, Andrew Seelig, Joe Pavao and Lorenzo Russo. (Maria Terris Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
LYNNFIELD — The Lynnfield High boys’ tennis team won both of its games last week. The Pioneers finished the regular season at 10-5 overall, 4-5 in the Cape Ann League and 1-3 (fourth place) in the CAL Small Division.
Lynnfield edged guest Ipswich 3-2 in the Pioneers’ final match of the regular season on May 24. With that win, the Pioneers were able to split the season series against the Tigers.
“It was nice to get a split with them considering they beat us just a couple of weeks ago,” said Pioneers head coach Joe Dunn.
At first singles, junior Max Rothermund lost, 6-0, 6-0, to one of the top players in the league. Second singles player Arlex Correa won, 6-1, 6-2, which avenged a loss to that same opponent in the first meeting.
At third singles, junior Colin Lamusta, won in three sets. He lost the first set 6-3, but won the next two, 6-4, 6-0.
“He lost in three sets to that guy in the first match,” pointed out Dunn, as both meetings went three sets.
In doubles action, the first team of sophomores Mike and David Gentile won in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1.
“That is the first time I had the brothers team up this year,” said Dunn.
The second pair of juniors Sean Murray and Andrew Seelig lost in three sets. They won a close first set, 7-6 (7-5 in the tie breaker). However, they lost, 2-6 in the second set and 1-6 in the third set.
Defeats Bishop Fenwick
The Pioneers defeated Bishop Fenwick 5-0 in a non-league match May 23.
“The team played well,” recalled Dunn.
Rothermund won 6-1, 6-1 at first singles. Correa won 6-2, 6-0 at second singles. Lamusta won in straight sets, 6-1, 6-0, at third singles.
Mike Gentile and junior Joe Pavao won, 6-2, 6-0, at first doubles. Seelig and junior Lorenzo Russo won, 6-3, 6-3, at second doubles.
Tournament brackets
On Thursday, June 1, the Pioneers will play their first match of the Division 3 North state tournament. Lynnfield’s opponent, location and time were unknown at press time, but residents should visit www.miaa.net for the latest tournament information.
