Published in the June 14, 2019 edition.
By NOAH GREIF
STONEHAM — After a long season of hard work, the boys’ and girls’ tennis teams hosted what was a banquet to remember for the ages. The boys’ team traveled straight to the banquet after their Div. 2 North quarterfinal loss to North Andover, still dressed in their bright red uniforms, while girls’ coach Kathy Healey told the amusing stories of teaching players self-defense and yoga.
The teams made their way to Bear Hill Golf Club last Thursday, where there were plenty of achievements to be recognized.
Boys’ coach Cheryl Connors and coach Healey remarked on the successful seasons of their respective teams. The coaches expressed their extreme pride in their teams, noting that each player improved, always came ready to play, were very dedicated to the sport and always had a great attitude no matter the score.
The boys’ team had one of their greatest seasons in program history with an 11-10 record and a 7-3 record in the Freedom Division while reaching the quarterfinals of the Division 2 North MIAA State Tournament after a stunning upset over No. 1 seed Somerville. The girls’ team posted a 5-11 record and 4-6 record in the Freedom Division.
The Coach’s awards were given out by Connors and Healey to players who best demonstrated spirit and willingness to help the team while improving their game, whether it was getting water for a teammate or working hard in practice. Junior tri-captain Jack Palmer was the recipient for the boys and sophomore Hannah Guay for the girls.
The most improved award was given to players who bettered their game both in the offseason coming into this year as well as increasing their level of play throughout the season. Junior tri-captain Noah Greif was awarded that title for the boys, and junior Kelly Hourihan also stepped up her game for the girls.
The most valuable player (MVP) was given to players who helped the team both on and off the court. This meant leaving it all out on the court win or lose while still keeping the energy and spirit high by supportively cheering on teammates in matches. Junior Lucas Smith captured the MVP for the boys and sophomore Erica Pecjo won it for the girls.
Winning the sportsmanship award, a title given out to those who are fair, polite and a good winner or loser and who support their teammates, were seniors Johnny Stumpf and Joshua Cieniewicz.
Also, two boys were named to the Middlesex League All-Star Team. They were juniors Noah Greif and Lucas Smith.
Both teams announced their captains for the 2020 season. Outgoing captain Johnny Stumpf announced the leaders for next year which include returning captains Noah Greif and Jack Palmer, as well as Lucas Smith. Juniors Marisa Ogier and Sarah Margerison will remain captains for the girls.
Receiving letters for the boys’ varsity team were Noah Greif, Lucas Smith, Johnny Stumpf, Jack Palmer, Josh Cieniewicz, Ian Schermerhorn, Sean DeCourcy, Russell Harter, Michael Leary, Kyle Russell, Matt Dardis and Tom O’Brien.
Receiving letters for the girls’ varsity team were Erica Pecjo, Hannah Guay, Kelly Hourihan, Marisa Ogier, Effie Koutroubis, Panagiota Koutroubis, Haley Ogier, Julia Carino, Basia Holowenczak, Sarah Margerison, Annie King and Jorie King.
There was a lot to be proud of for both teams.
In 2020, the boys will look to reach the tournament once again while going further in the draw. The girls will look to get back to the tournament for the first time since 2016.
Tennis in Wakefield is constantly growing, so the 2020 season for Warrior tennis is looking bright.
