The Pioneers girls tennis team tallied 12 points and finished fourth out of 10 teams at the Cape Ann League Open tournament Saturday at Lynnfield High School. Hamilton-Wenham took the team title with 20 points with Newburyport finishing runner-up with 18 and Manchester-Essex coming in third with 15.
Paige Martino posted a record of 2-1 and finished second in the first singles bracket. Lily Alves also was 2-1 and finished second at second singles. At third singles, Maddie Sieve (1-1) made it to the semifinals in the championship division, while Leticia Marafon/Ella Hayman (2-1) won the first doubles consolation division and Vicky McCrann/Emma Wagon (2-1) won the second.
“It was an awesome weather day, and great competition,” head coach Craig Stone said. “For each player to be able to play three quality matches in a single day is priceless. The spring season has been plagued with inconsistent weather, which has made improvement challenging. This was a giant step forward for all.”
Lynnfield 5
Ipswich 0
The Pioneers (3-1) took on league rival Ipswich at home Thursday and improved to 3-1. Martino (6-0, 6-1) and Alves (6-1, 6-0) led from start to finish at first and second singles, respectively. Sieve completed the singles sweep (6-2, 6-1) at third singles.
“Paige and Lily showed depth and direction on the ground strokes and were able to attack short balls and volley.” Stone said. “Maddie was down 1-2 in the first set playing a little too much defense, then turned the tables winning 11 of the next 12 games playing offense.”
First doubles Marafon/Hayman (6-1, 6-1) and second doubles McCrann/Wagon (6-4, 6-2) completed the team sweep.
“First doubles played with much more confidence controlling both baseline and net play,” Stone said. “Second doubles, also, seems to be getting a better grasp on situation doubles play and setting up points to get the straight set win.”
The Pioneers’ scheduled match against North Reading on Wednesday was rained out, bringing the total number of postponed matches needing makeups to four.
“It was great having a sunny, clear day to play again,” Stone said. “You need the matches to reinforce learning and improve competitive play. Hopefully, Mother Nature will continue to cooperate the rest of the spring season as we will be playing three to four matches a week.”