THE BOYS’ tennis seniors have led the Hornets to a strong season and a No. 17 ranking in Div. 3. Pictured from left to right is Aiden Patel, Ricky Ho, Roman Ton and Eric Xu. (Courtesy Photo)
After press time:
North Reading falls to Lynnfield 5-0 (May 23)
Published May 23, 2024
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
WEYMOUTH — The North Reading High boys’ tennis team was edged, 3-2, by host Hamilton-Wenham at the Pingree School on Monday afternoon. With that result, the Hornets record dropped to 8-5 overall and 5-5 in the Cape Ann League.
“They are super deep and have very little drop-off in talent from one to seven,” said Hornets head coach Mark Bisognano, as the Generals improved to 13-2.
At first singles, Roman Ton won, 6-4 6-4. Second-singles player, Parker Lee won, 6-0, 6-3, while Raffi Toby lost, 6-0, 6-3 at third singles.
In doubles action, the first team of Aiden Patel and Sameer Murthy lost, 6-1, 6-2. The second duo of Ricky Ho and John Pastore also fell in two sets, 6-0, 6-3.
“I was pleased with the way Roman and Parker played,” said Bisognano.
On May 15, the Hornets lost, 4-1, to guest Newburyport. The Clippers were able to sweep the season series as they also won the first meeting 4-1.
Ton won, 6-1, 6-0 while Lee lost a marathon match. He won the first set, 6-0 but lost the second one 7-5. They then played a 10-game tiebreaker and he lost 23-21 (you must win by two points once someone reaches 10).
Toby played third singles and lost by matching 6-4 scores.
Ho and Murthy fell, 6-1, 7-5, at first doubles while Patel and Pastore lost, 6-1, 6-4 at second doubles.
“We mixed our lineup from the first time we faced them hoping to sweep at all three singles but their third singles player played well,” pointed out Bisognano.
North Reading wraps up the regular season on May 23 as they host CAL leader Lynnfield at 4 p.m.
The Hornets headed into this week seeded 17th in the MIAA Division 3 power rankings. The top 32 teams, at the end of the regular season, automatically qualify for the state tournament.
The tournament seedings come out this weekend and if the Hornets can bump up into the top 16, they will get to open the first round at home.
