The Lynnfield girls tennis team held its annual awards banquet Friday night at the high school.
Head coach Craig Stone shared a few nuggets about the history of the program, which he described as “an amazing legacy of success.” In 43 years, the Pioneers have posted winning records and have qualified for the state tournament 41 consecutive seasons.
Pioneers finished the regular season 12-6 and earned No. 3 seed in the Division 4 state tournament. They breezed through the first two rounds, defeating Winthrop and Leicester 5-0. They then defeated Bromfield 3-2 in the quarterfinals to punch their ticket to the Final Four for a second straight year, where they upset No. 2 seed Manchester-Essex, also 3-2. Unfortunately, their quest for their first state title in 10 years and sixth in program history ended in the final at the hands of two-time defending champion Hamilton-Wenham, 5-0.
“As always, credit must be given to the players for accomplishing such a high level of achievement, and the unselfishness and compassion they showed their teammates throughout the season,” Stone said. “Four variables contributed to the continued success of our team. Individual growth, team depth, team chemistry and team spirit. Setting personal desires aside so that the team could be successful has long been a trademark of LHS tennis and this year was no different.”
Senior tri-captain Leticia Marafon (13-11), a three-year varsity veteran, received the Lynnfield Athletic Association Scholar/Athlete Award. She graduated in the top 10 of the Class of 2024.
“Not only does she deserve credit for her improvement as a player, she also deserves credit for developing the chemistry needed to form an effective doubles team with her third new partner in three years,” Stone said. “Her competitiveness is always evident in her play, but her improvement in her play this season was very noticeable.”
Senior tri-captain and three-year varsity veteran Maddie Sieve (15-9) received the Sharla Caico Team Spirit Award for the second straight year.
“Maddie could hit with the best, and rally forever when needed,” Stone said. “She has earned the nickname Marathon Maddie for her propensity for long matches, but more importantly the resilience and mental toughness needed when the going gets tough.”
Sophomore Lily Alves (20-4) received the Most Improved Award for a second straight year. Despite never having played competitively until her freshman year, Alves grabbed a spot as a regular doubles starter that year.
“Never in my years of coaching had I seen such a rate of improvement and have someone experience that degree of success – until this year, when she did it again, jumping up to second singles” Stone said. “Changing from doubles to singles is equally as challenging and Lily made it look easy.”
Alves will serve as a tri-captain of the 2025 team with Ella Hayman and Paige Martino.
Hayman, a junior and three-year varsity veteran who played first doubles with Marafon, received the Coaches Award.
“Ella is extremely conscious of what needs to be done on the court, and off the court to be successful. She takes that as a personal challenge. Her frustration turns into motivation, and she drives herself to improve. She is also, very aware, of the impact the game has on her teammates and is often there for support and camaraderie.”
Junior tri-captain and three-year varsity veteran Paige Martino (22-3, 54-10 career) received the Outstanding Achievement Award. Stone also recognized Martino as the 2024 Cape Ann Kinney Division Player of the Year,
“Her individual record in itself is eye opening, but to also do it at first singles sends a powerful message,” Stone said. “She takes everything in stride on the court and off the court. She is measured and disciplined in her play and her demeanor.”
Other varsity letters were also presented.
Sophomore Vicky McCrann (11-12) received her first varsity letter.
“Vicky was another player who decided to work on her game out of season,” Stone said. “Last season, she was a little one dimensional with a nickname of cross court, but this year she took that as a challenge and now possesses a down-the-line aspect as well. You can see her thoroughly understanding the game of doubles, and was always one of the dominant players on the court.”
Freshman Emma Wagon (13-10), who played second doubles with McCrann, received her first varsity letter.
“Breaking into the line up, as a freshman, alone is an accomplishment, then to have a winning record, is a bonus,” Stone said. “Making the transition from singles to doubles is not easy. It can be both frustrating and challenging. Emma welcomed the challenge and found success as well.”
Juniors Bella Nguyen (2-0, 11-8 JV) and Parminder Saini (3-0, 12-6 JV) received their second varsity letters in their third seasons in the program.
“Bella saw marked improvement in her game, and as always, she is enthusiastic and energetic with her personality and her play,” Stone said. “She enjoys the game, and enjoys playing. She has all the shots and the ability to impact in a big way next season.”
“And with Parminder, you can see in her game that she takes tennis seriously, that it is important to her to do well. Motivation is key, I wouldn’t be surprised if that motivation leads to more playing opportunities next season,” Stone said.
First-year sophomore Fiona Asaad (1-1, 15-4 JV), sophomore Victoria Clancy (1-0, 10-6 JV) and sophomore Nandan Nishandth (1-0, 10-7 JV) won their first varsity matches. Stone expects all three to be key contributors next year.
“Fiona got off to a slow start, but quickly caught fire moving up a number of spots on the ladder,” Stone said. “Every season, a coach has a premonition about a player that will have a bigger impact next season. Fiona is my pick!”
Stone said Clancy also climbed the ladder, earning a spot start in the varsity line-up.
“That goes to show you what playing out of season can do to improve your ability and your chances to contribute,” he said. “Nandan worked her way into a spot start this year and has shown plenty of potential for the future. And will, undoubtedly, be looking to play a bigger role next season.”
Stone expressed his gratitude to and best wishes for the seniors. He thanked all players for their commitment and also thanked the parents
“I wish them an enjoyable and successful four years at college and look forward to you visiting us next spring and sharing your experiences with us,” he said. “I also look forward to the 2025 season, the challenges it will bring, and the impact each of the returning players will have. As I like to say, the first day of practice for the 2025 season starts tomorrow, the time you put into your game between seasons improves you as a player and LHS as a team.”
