Let’s just say it was a very good week for the Pioneers’ boys tennis team. Not only did they win four more matches to improve to 7-0, but earned their first No. 1 ranking in the MIAA Division 4 Power Rankings, smoking No. 3 Manchester-Essex, 5-0, on Monday and topping No. 2 Hamilton-Wenham, 3-2, on April 29.
Is there no one who can beat them?
All head coach Joe Dunn Sr. knows is, at least so far, the Pioneers have risen to every challenge that’s been tossed their way.
“Three out of our last four matches have been against the toughest competition in our conference,” he said. “I’m proud of the way our team continues to stay confident and take their skills to higher levels. The team just keeps stepping up to the challenge.”
Dan Levin and Shea McCarthy wasted no time in winning the first and second singles matches in straight sets, 6-0, 6-3 and 6-3, 6-1, respectively. Russell Kasdon came from behind to complete the singles sweep, 0-6, 6-0, 6-4.
“Once again, Dan and Shea are dominating their matches,” Dunn said. “Russell got off to a slow start but never gave up.”
In a see-saw battle, Raffi Arkun and Brendan Sokop prevailed at first singles, 6-4, 4-6, 6-1. In their first start of the year, Sando Brucker and Charlie Langendorf took the second doubles match in straight sets, 6-2, 6-0.
“First doubles had an exciting back-and-forth match against a very tough team and second doubles played together for the first time and just clicked on every shot,” Dunn said. “They were steady and quick to the net to end points.”
Lynnfield 4
Swampscott 1
Friday, the Pioneers traveled to Swampscott and swept singles matches. Levin took the first singles match in a tight three-setter, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4. McCarthy won in straight sets at second singles, 6-4, 6-4, and Kasdon prevailed at third singles, cruising to a 6-0, 6-1 win.
Arkun/Sokop lost the first doubles match, 4-6, 1-6, while Shlok Kudrimoti and Slate LoPiloto eked out a three-set win at second doubles, 6-4, 6-7 (1-7), 7-5.
“Second doubles came through in a big way for the third straight match, winning in three sets,” Dunn said.
Lynnfield 5
Newburyport 0
The Pioneers made it five straight with a shoutout win over the visiting Clippers. Levin barely broke a sweat in the first singles match, winning in a 6-0, 6-0 shutout. McCarthy took the second singles match, 6-2, 6-0 and Kasdon also won in straight sets at third singles, but needed a tie breaker to do it, winning 6-4, 7-7 (9-7).
Both doubles matches were see-saw battles. Arkun/Sokop took the first doubles match, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. In second doubles, Kudrimoti/LoPilate dropped the first set, 3-6, but rallied to win the final two sets, 6-3, 6-4 to close out the match.
“No. 1 and No. 2 singles were flawless, but third singles was a battle of consistency,” Dunn said. “Second doubles was a hard-hitting match with big serves. Both Raffi and Brendan had quick hands at the net as well.
“Second doubles was up and down but when we were on, they (Clippers) couldn’t return the ball.”
Lynnfield 3
Hamilton-Wenham 2
In the Pioneers’ first real test of the young season, the Pioneers came out on top in an extremely close match. Levin and McCarthy won their matches at first and second singles, respectively, 6-2, 6-2, while Kasdon came up short at third singles, 0-6, 2-6. Both doubles matches were three-set nail-biters. First doubles Arkun/Sokop won the first set, 7-5, but the Generals took the next two, 6-4, 6-4 to earn a point. With the second doubles match tied at one set each, Kurdrimoti/LoPilato rallied to take the decisive third set and match, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
“First and second singles were playing their highest level on all points. They were totally focused and in command throughout the match,” Dunn said. “Both doubles matches couldn’t have been more exciting with three sets each needed to determine the outcome. Shlok and Slate buckled down and stayed strong until the end and it came down to who wanted it the most.”
Lynnfield’s next match is against North Reading on Friday at home (3:30 p.m.).
