Published in the April 20, 2018 edition
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose Lady Raider tennis team picked up their first win of the season on Friday, April 13 when they hosted Stoneham at the Crystal Street courts. Melrose swept the Spartans 5-0, and, while they remain 1-4, they are looking forward to facing Freedom League opponents in upcoming matches.
“It was a true team effort and I was really proud of the girls,” says Melrose head coach Deb Deacon of the win.
Melrose’s Grace Sanderson earned her first win at 1st singles in straight sets. “Grace was focused, determined and worked hard at both her first and second serves,” says Deacon. “She also used an effective shot selection, moving her opponent around the court for the win in straight sets 6-1, 6-1.”
In second singles, Emma Bates rallied back and won in 3 sets as she took on her opponent 1-6, 6-0, 6-0 in a great battle. Making her 2nd appearance on the singles court was Christiana Csiscek. “She played a phenomenal match winning in straight sets 6-4, 6-0,” Deacon says. “Her attitude is positive, she enjoyed an opportunity to break into the varsity line up as some of her teammates were away and she stepped up and played great for her team.”
THE MELROSE High girls’ tennis team picked up their first win of the season with a 5-0 victory over Stoneham. (file photo)
Another player making her way into the varsity line up was Elise Nerden, called from junior varsity to be paired with Annie Kavanaugh; and it worked, as the duo took a win in straight sets 7-5, 6-4. “Elise has worked hard in the off season and it shows in her ability to play consistent tennis, says Deacon. “It was fun to see Elise enjoying her match and playing so well.”
Captain Burtnett and partner Hannah Brown showed their senior experience as they battled and won in two sets 6-3, 6-0.
Melrose came up empty in previous competition while contending with a brutal Mother Nature. “The good news is that we are on schedule with match play, the not-so-favorable news is no dry practice days and weather above 40 degrees. The kids were simply freezing out there and less productive,” says Deacon.
On Monday, May 9, Melrose battled Woburn, a team of comparable talent, but Melrose was down a few players which helped contribute to a 2-3 loss. Competing in first singles is Grace Sanderson, who continues to work hard and display a powerful serve. “She has an ability to move her opponents and truly learn to strategize to win points,” says her coach.
Deacon notes that Catherine Denning (in 2nd singles) is showing improvement in her game, staying in long deuce points and just falling short of a win. “She will get there,” she says.
Captain Emma Bates is battling at 3rd singles and finding her groove as well, says her coach. “She is consistent and with every match, improvement is obvious. She secured her first win at 3rd singles vs. Woburn in straight sets 6-3, 6-4.”
First doubles team Annie Kavanaugh and Maeve McGillicuddy continue to play well together and enjoy their partnership on the court. They were one of the two points won vs. their opponent in Woburn with a 6-2, 6-3 victory in straight sets.
Captain Helen Burtnett and senior partner Hannah Brown are ever so close to coming on for their first win. “They learn to play together and hit the ball with confidence.”
Wilmington proved to be more of a challenge than they have been in years past, and with Melrose still down in numbers, the Lady Raiders fell to them on April 11, 0-5. Deacon, however, would like another crack at them. “We will see them again later in the season with more practice and warmer temps on our side. I feel we’re starting to learn how to play a match again, we are getting over our nerves a bit and gaining some experience…now if only Mother Nature would cooperate.”
Making her singles debut at 3rd singles was Christiana Csiscek, who had a great showing, winning two games in the first set and one in the 2nd before falling to her opponent 2-6.
Melrose was next faced with the challenge of Lexington, an ML powerhouse. “The girls continued to play well, gain more court experience and they were able to steal a few games which always makes them feel good about powerhouse teams. They are gaining in experience with every match.”
Players improving on the JV squad are the partnership of Janice Tang and Amber Chow, winning their pro-set match 6-2. “They are working well together and coming along nicely,” says the coach.
Freshman Emma Miller and Haley Smith played together in the match vs. Stoneham and won their pro-set 6-0 with some impressive play. Ella Miller and Madeline Lyons are proving to be a team to watch as they won their pro-set 6-1. Molly Wright and Chole Orcutt beat their opponents handily winning 7-2 in their pro-set. Maeve Tarpey and Alana Fahey, a new dynamic duo partnership, played well beating their opponents 6-2.
“The girls are working hard, gaining experience and court play as we head into next week with matches against rival Watertown (always a good match), Wakefield and reigning small league champ: Burlington,” says Deacon. “And we look forward to some warmer temps and sunshine.”
Melrose hosts Watertown on Monday, April 23 at 3:45 p.m.
