Girls’ tennis team qualifies for state tournament

The CHS girls’ tennis team improved its overall record to 8-5 after splitting its two matches last week. The win also qualified the team for the state tournament.

Michaela Nannery

Monday’s match allowed the Bulldogs to avenge themselves against Sharon, pulling out a dramatic 3-2 win. Erika Nannery beat her talented opponent to win first singles 6-3, 6-3. On the next court over, Michaela Nannery quickly dismissed her opponent 6-3, 6-1.

The doubles players found their matches to be much more difficult. Sophomores Aimee Pina and Eleni Papadopoulos lost their match in a tight three sets, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. Sisters Pranathi Ganni, a freshman, and Pujitha Ganni, a sophomore, also fell to Sharon, losing second doubles in straight sets.

Bringing the win home for Canton was sophomore Alice Bronsteyn with what coach Sheila Conneely called a “third singles marathon match and ultimate triumph” that resulted in a 7-6 (7-3), 4-6, 7-6 (7-5) win.

“Alice never gave up and fought hard for every point,” Conneely said. “Even when her opponent, a steady freshman (Angela Zhang) from Sharon, had triple match point, up 5-4 (40-0) in the final set, Alice did not let it faze her. She grounded out five consecutive points to make it 5-5 and change the momentum of the match for good.”

On Thursday, the team met the powerhouse Foxboro team, which is currently undefeated at 12-0, with some of the strongest players in the league, including a set of sisters who have extensive USTA experience.

CHS improved over the last match, taking two points from the rival town. Erika Nannery once again battled with and ultimately lost to Alana Prinos, who Conneely deemed “one of the strongest, most talented players in Massachusetts.” A junior, Prinos has not lost a match in her high school career. Despite the ferocious competition she has faced all season long, freshman Erika has only lost to one opponent, vanquishing the best players from every other team in the Hockomock League.

Michaela Nannery put up a fight, but lost 6-3, 6-3. Alice Bronsteyn also lost in straight sets.

Foxboro’s talents ended at doubles, and the Bulldogs were able to take two points from the Warriors. First doubles Papadopoulos and Pina won 6-1, 6-1. Second doubles Pujitha and Pranathi Ganni picked off their competition in a super tiebreaker, 4-6, 6-2 (10-8).

Up next for the girls is the individual sectionals. The Nannery sisters will represent Canton in the singles tournament, and Papadopoulos and Pina will play doubles.

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Posted by Kelsey Oates on May 18 2011. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.