Lynnfield’s girls tennis team held its annual end-of-season awards banquet at Prince Pizza.
Head coach Craig Stone shared a few nuggets about the history of the program, which he described as “an extraordinary legacy of success over the past 44 years.”
The Pioneers have posted winning records and have qualified for the state tournament 42 consecutive years.
This year, the Pioneers finished the regular season 15-2, won the Cape Ann League Kinney Division and earned the No. 1 seed in the Division 4 state tournament. Sixteen players played at least one varsity match, which Stone said “showcased our depth of talent.”
The team opened the tournament with a 5-0 win over Uxbridge in the Round of 32, then defeated Bourne 4-0 in the Round of 16 and beat Nantucket 5-0 in the quarterfinals to reach the Final Four for the third consecutive year. Unfortunately, the quest to play in the championship match for a second straight year ended in the semis against Hamilton-Wenham with a narrow 3-2 loss in a rematch of last year’s state final (won by the Generals).
“Getting to the Final Four was a reachable team goal for us. Achieving it again gave us great satisfaction,” Stone said. “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.
“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 captains Paige Martino (17-2) and Ella Hayman received the Scholar-Athlete award.
“Their GPAs were within hundredths of each other, so I didn’t want to just give one,” Stone said.
Martino, a four-year starter at first singles with a career record of 72-12 (most in program history) and only the third player in program history to play in the top position four straight years, also received the Contributed Most Award.
“Personal achievements aside, Paige has always had the interests of the team first and supported each of her teammates,” Stone said. “I have enjoyed watching the skill level that she plays at as well as her demeanor and court presence.”
Hayman (15-2), a four-year varsity player, finished her career with 38 wins, placing her on the Hall of Fame Top-50 list. She received the Coaches Award.
“Ella has become a coach on the court. She knows what needs to be done on the court to be successful and is perspective enough to change strategies to enhance that result,” Stone said. She has consistently worked to improve her own game and constantly offers support and encouragement to her teammates. It is only appropriate that her senior year be such a successful one.”
Senior Parminder Saini (10-2 JV, 1-1 V) received her third varsity letter.
“Regardless of her role, you could always tell her tennis and the team was important to her and that being successful was a priority. I thank you for your commitment and appreciate your contributions to our program.”
In her third varsity season, junior captain Lily Alves (17-1) received the Outstanding Achievement Award.
“In three seasons, she has a 45-13 record and is moving up the all-court list of Hall of Fame record-holders,” Stone said. “One can only marvel at the rate of her improvement, but also the degree of her success.”
Junior Victoria McCrann (15-3, also in her third year on varsity,) received the Unsung Heroine Award.
“She has played, and won, at all our team positions this season, except for first singles,” Stone said. “Yet, she does it without fanfare. That feat cannot go unnoticed and her importance to the team needs to be recognized.”
Hayman received the Sharla Caico Sieve Team Spirit Award. The award was presented by Sharla’s daughter, Maddie Sieve, who received the award the last two years.
Martino (15) and Alves (14) received Bagell Awards for the most set sweeps. Alves also won the Tiebreaker Award for the most tiebreakers played (4). Kami Kiat won the Most 3-Set Matches Award (4).
The CAL All-Stars were recognized. Martino was the league Player of the Year at first singles for a second straight year. Alves received league All-Star honors at second singles and both Hayman and McCrann received All-Star honors at first doubles. Kathleen Brown and Christine Choi received All-Star honors at second doubles.
Freshmen Brown (11-1), Christine Choi (9-1) and Kiat (13-3) received their first varsity letters. Sophomore exchange student Maria Roberto (17-3 JV), sophomore Charlotte Rose (15-1 JV, 1-0 V), junior Charlotte Beccia (14-1-1 JV, 1-0V), and senior Marianna Angulo (5-4 JV, 1-0 V) also received their first varsity letters.
Sophomore Emma Wagon (9-0 JV, 6-1 V), junior Fiona Asaad (10-1 JV, 2-1 V), junior Victoria Clancy (11-0 JV, 3-0 V) and junior Nandana Nishandth (11-1 JV. 2-1 V) received their second varsity letters.
The captains of next year’s team were announced. They are Alves, Clancy, McCrann and Gianna Micieli.
In closing, Stone thanked the players for their commitment, and the parents for their concern and support.
“[I’d] especially like to say a fond goodbye to the parents of the seniors. With the long and positive association I have had with your daughters, comes an equally positive and enjoyable association with you as parents,” Stone said. “To the seniors, 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.
“I also look forward to the 2026 season, the challenges it will bring, and the impact each of the returning players will have.”
