Red Raiders lose a heartbreaker to Medford, 3-2

Published in the June 15, 2018 edition

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MEDFORD—The Melrose Red Raider tennis team’s winning season came to an end in the Div. 2 North quarterfinals on Saturday at Duggar Park in Medford when they fell 3-2 to #4 seed Medford (12-3). The reigning league champs fought a close battle but saw their Mustang rivals prevail in singles play. Melrose finishes their season an impressive 13-5.

“We’re disappointed that we didn’t move on, but Medford boasted a very strong and scrappy singles team that got the best of us,” says Melrose coach Matt Williams. 

Melrose senior Caleb Zimmerman was pitted in first singles against Petrus Oliviera, a strong lefty who went 10-4 on the season. “Caleb gave him everything he could but his opponent was tough,” reports Williams.  

CALEB ZIMMERMAN helped lead the Red Raider tennis team to a league title but his Melrose team fell to Medford, 3-2 in D2N quarterfinals. (Donna Larsson photo)

Melrose was missing one of their tops players (Jason Jang) in second singles, which hurt them a bit, but fortunately they could rely on Henry MacDonnell to step in. He faced a strong Edward Hill and also took a loss. In third singles, Melrose’s Owen Markham won a first set against Eric Lam but fell in the next two, 6-2, 6-2. 

Melrose was successful in doubles, winning both behind the efforts of Sava Vlajkovic and Zac Zibaitis, who beat Tyler Lam and Vikas Romero. And Jack Summersby and Ryan Locke prevailed over Noah Peirera and Felipe Oliveira. 

“We won those two points quick thanks to them, and needed one more but it wasn’t in the cards,” says Williams, who credits the team for overachieving this season. 

“I think we exceeded expectations. I was proud that we could make it this far, take the league for our 5th straight year, especially for our seniors. I was really happy to see them competing on this level their senior year.” 

Of his seniors – Caleb Zimmerman, Jason Jang, Sava Vlajkovic, Ryan Locke, Owen Markham, Jonathan Harriott, William Gray and Patrick Donahue – Williams acknowledges their talent and character. 

“We had a great senior class. All of them were terrific leaders, just smart, nice kids who have great futures ahead of them. All of them are going to fine colleges and universities. The future is bright for them.” 

Returning starters coming back next season include incoming captains Henry MacDonnell and Jack Summersby along wth Zac Zibaitis. Look for experienced players like Russell Darwin and Eamonn Burke to also provide senior leadership while opportunity awaits for returners like Nick Koen, James Frederick, William Moore, Tyler Janzen, Griffin Castergine and Eli Coleman. 

Says Williams, “We have plenty of opportunities next season and look forward to seeing our returning players step up.”