Melrose (3-1) hopes to stay on top of Freedom League

Published in the April 20, 2018 edition

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—The Melrose Red Raider tennis team started this spring optimistic that returning experience and new talent would lead to success, and, after five matches, it has.

Melrose remains a very strong 3-1 overall and 2-0 in the ML Freedom Division as they enter a break before resuming Freedom League action against Watertown and Wakefield this Monday and Tuesday. So far, Melrose coach Matt Williams likes what he sees. 

“We’ve had great leadership so far from our captains Caleb [Zimmerman] and Jason [Jang] and also from seniors Ryan Locke and Sava Vlajkovic,” says Williams. “They have really taken the team under their wings, especially the younger guys, and are showing them the ropes and providing tips and suggestions, and it’s been great to see. We’ll need more of that as the season rolls on.”

THE MELROSE Red Raider tennis team remains at the top of the ML Freedom League after a strong start to the season. (file photo)

On April 9, Melrose kicked off their season with a 5-0 win over Woburn, and followed that act with another 5-0 victory over Wilmington. In first singles, Caleb Zimmerman beat his opponent, 6-0, 6-0. In second singles, Jason Jang prevailed, 6-4, 6-2. In third singles, Henry MacDonnell won, 6-3, 6-2. In first doubles, the team of Sava Vlajkovic and Zack Zibatis prevailed, 6-1 6-0. In second doubles, Ryan Locke and Jack Summersby won, 6-0, 6-0. 

Just two days later, Melrose hosted Stoneham at home at the Lyons Court and took another 5-0 victory. In first singles, Caleb Zimmerman won 6-2, 6-1. In second singles, Jason Jang topped his opponent, 6-0, 6-1. In third singles, Ryan Locke won 6-1, 6-1. In first doubles, Sava Vlajkovic and Russell Darwin prevailed, 6-1, 6-0, and in second doubles, Patrick Donohue and Jack Summersby won, 6-7, 6-3, 10-8. 

Melrose’s depth is paying off in their early season. But while coach Williams is happy to be undefeated in the league so far, he also seeks improvement so that Melrose can match the success of their recent, league-winning seasons. “Our guys are great athletes and will hustle for every ball and that will take us far in this league. We need to get more consistent with our ground-strokes, have better form with our volleys and keep improving our serves. Our court positioning has a long way to go, but it’s still early in the season and I’m seeing improvement each practice.” 

While Melrose enjoys a week off during April vacation they will be prepping themselves for a big week of matches verses Freedom League opponents. “These teams are very similar to us, so I’m looking forward to seeing how we respond to matches that are close and come down to the wire,” says Williams. 

Melrose next hits the court on the road at Watertown on Monday and hosts Wakefield on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.