CAPE ANN LEAGUE Kinney Division Player of the Year Paige Martino defeated her first singles opponent in two sets during the third seed girls’ tennis team’s 5-0 victory over 30th seed Winthrop during a Round of 32 contest in the Division 4 state tournament on June 1. (Jamie Hayman Photo)

 

 

 

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Lynnfield defeats Bromfield Academy 3-2, advances to the Final Four (June 5)
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Lynnfield defeats Leicester 5-0 (June 4)

 

Published June 5, 2024

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — The girls’ tennis team is off to a strong start to begin the Division 4 state tournament.

Third seeded Lynnfield easily dismantled 30th seed Winthrop 5-0 during a Division 4 Round of 32 match at Lynnfield High School on June 1. The Pioneers’ victory over the Vikings was also Lynnfield’s first state tournament win on the new tennis courts.

Captain Paige Martino easily dispatched her first singles opponent in two sets, 6-2, 6-0.

“Paige was leading 3-2 in the first set when she then won the next nine games,” said Pioneers head coach Craig Stone. “It was a contrast in styles, as Paige dictated pace and court position while her opponent just tried to find some form of attack.”

Stone also said Martino was unanimously voted as the Cape Ann League’s Player of the Year for the Kinney Division last week. She currently has a 17-1 record this season.

“It’s well deserved,” said Stone. “Paige has been playing first singles since she was a freshman, and has always been supportive of her teammates. She was the Cape Ann League coaches’ unanimous choice for Player of the Year for the Kinney Division. She is not only an outstanding player on the court, she is an outstanding person off the court.”

Sophomore Lily Alves shutout her second singles counterpart in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0.

“Lily continued with her balanced style of attack and defend, which limited her unforced errors to a minimum,” said Stone. “Lily is 15-2 in match play currently.”

Senior captain Maddie Sieve cruised past her third singles opponent in two sets, 6-1, 6-2.

“Maddie was leading 2-1 in the first set when she ran her own streak of games by winning the next 10,” said Stone. “She kept her opponent off-balance by mixing up her ground strokes with depth and direction. Maddie has an individual record of 10-7 at this time.”

Senior captain Leticia Marafon and junior Ella Hayman won their first doubles match in consecutive sets, 6-2, 6-0.

Sophomore Vicky McCrann and freshman Emma Wagon cruised to a two-set victory during second doubles, 6-0, 6-2.

“Both doubles teams took charge at the net and lobbed effectively when needed,” said Stone.

Stone noted that the Pioneers’ 5-0 win over Winthrop in the Round of 32 took place after graduation and Senior Week activities concluded.

“Neither singles nor doubles were ever in trouble,” said Stone. “With all the activities going on last week, we never had a practice with all players present. Fortunately, we were seeded high enough to have an advantage in our first round match. Going forward, we should be able to build on this and be playing our best tennis at right time.”

Upcoming matches

The Pioneers hosted 19th seed Leicester in the Sweet 16 on Tuesday, June 4, taking place after deadline. To view the updated Division 4 state tournament brackets, visit www.miaa.net.