League rival no match for Melrose in 5-0 win
Published in the April 21, 2017 edition
SENIOR CAPTAIN Jack Wells has been outstanding in first singles for the Melrose Red Raider tennis team, who recently took wins over Burlington and Arlington. (Donna Larsson photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—It’s been smooth sailing for the Melrose Red Raider tennis team, who picked up a pair of wins over Arlington (3-2 win) and Burlington (5-0 win) last week to improve to 2-2 on the season.
According to Melrose coach Matt Williams, the 5-0 victory over the Red Devils was a hard fought match and the score didn’t reflect what the Red Devils brought to the court. “Some sets could have gone either way,” reports the coach. “But we played solid and earned the win.”
At first singles, senior Jack Mays has shined for Melrose. “He’s been playing unbelievable,” says coach Williams. “First singles is so difficult but he has been putting up tons of wins for us, including beating Belmont in straight sets.”
The coach also points out the very strong efforts from senior captain Sean Donovan who is 3-1 in play with his only loss to Lexington, and Jason Jang in second singles, who fought in a three hour battle to his Burlington rival and prevailed to help Melrose earn the win. Melrose’s Zack Zibatis has also performed well in singles. Holding the court in doubles has been senior captain Sam Stallings and Caleb Zimmerman (first doubles) and Joe Connolly and Sean Prendergast (second) while Liam Singleman has also seen time in doubles.
With the toughest stretch of schedule behind them, Melrose looks forward to Freedom League play, where they can make their run at another league title.
“We’re hoping to put together a winning streak and make a run for the league,” says Williams. “But of course, we don’t overlook anyone or take anyone lightly.”
Melrose gets that chance when they host Wakefield on Monday at 3:45 at home at the Tremont Street courts.
