Published in the April 19, 2017 edition

SENIOR Laura Mucci teamed up with Rachel Strout to record their first team match win, 6-3, 6-3, over Bishop Fenwick April 13. (Maureen Doherty Photo)

SENIOR Laura Mucci teamed up with Rachel Strout to record their first team match win, 6-3, 6-3, over Bishop Fenwick April 13. (Maureen Doherty Photo)

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — The girls’ tennis team began its quest for a fourth straight Division 3 North sectional title with two decisive victories last week.

The Pioneers began last week dismantling Hamilton-Wenham 5-0 April 10.

Senior captain Sarah Mezini defeated her first singles opponent in two sets, 6-2, 6-1. Senior captain Camie Foley defeated her second singles counterpart in two sets, 6-0, 6-1.

Senior captain Katie Nevils won a hard fought match during third singles. Nevils won the first set 6-4 and prevailed 6-3 during the second set.

“The best match of the day was at third singles,” said Pioneers head coach Craig Stone. “Nevils, powered by true grit and determination, prevailed.”

SECOND singles player Camie Foley overcame her Bishop Fenwick opponent 6-2, 6-3 to contribute to Lynnfield’s shutout over the Crusaders. (Maureen Doherty Photo)

SECOND singles player Camie Foley overcame her Bishop Fenwick opponent 6-2, 6-3 to contribute to Lynnfield’s shutout over the Crusaders. (Maureen Doherty Photo)

The first doubles team consisting of senior captain Katie Nugent and senior Allison Carey won their match in two sets, 6-2, 6-3.

“The newly formed first doubles team looked impressive,” said Stone.

In second doubles, sophomore Alexa Vittiglio and senior Laura Mucci cruised past their counter parts in two sets, 6-0, 6-1.

Stone was pleased with the Pioneers’ performance against Hamilton-Wenham.

“It’s always nice to start the season with a win,” said Stone. “The singles line-up is pretty much established, and the doubles teams will be a work in progress.”

Defeats Bishop Fenwick

The Pioneers kept rolling and defeated Bishop Fenwick 5-0 April 13.

Mezini dismantled her first singles opponent in two sets, 6-0, 6-1. Foley won her second singles match in two sets, 6-2, 6-3. Nevils easily cruised past her third singles counterpart in two sets, 6-0, 6-2.

“Singles looked impressive with straight set wins,” said Stone.

In first doubles, Nugent and Carey earned a hard fought two set victory. After securing a thrilling 7-5 victory during the first set, Nugent and Carey coasted to a 6-1 second set win.

The second doubles tandem of Mucci and senior Rachel Strout won their match in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3.

“First doubles had trouble steadying down in the first set, then rolled,” said Stone. “Strout and Mucci recorded their first team match win!”

Stone commended the Pioneers’ strong play on the court against Bishop Fenwick.

“We showcased an all senior line-up today,” said Stone. “With the exception of Mezini and Nevils, all others have worked their way up the ladder to full-time varsity players over the years. It says a lot for hanging in there over the years and waiting for your time to contribute.”