Girls’ tennis reaches double-digit victories

The Canton High girls’ tennis team played two matches last week to close out a terrific regular season. Despite the presence of just one upperclassman (Michaela Nannery at second singles) and being in a tough league, the Bulldogs ended strongly with a 10-6 record. They now prepare for the postseason tournament.

Before their week began, freshman Erika Nannery finished her south sectional individual run. Erika’s formidable skill and uncommon talents have been apparent all season long, and her prowess was on full display yet again as she took down a No. 1 seed in what coach Sheila Conneely called a “6-1, 6-2 thumping.” In the semifinals, though, Erika hit her limits and fell to Milton senior Ariana Launie. “The whole team is very proud of Erika,” said Conneely.

The next showdown for the Bulldogs was a nail-biter against Stoughton. The Knights shocked CHS in doubles, but the Nannerys both crushed their opponents 6-0, 6-0.

Once again, the match came down to third singles player Alice Bronsteyn. A veteran of such high-stakes situations, Bronsteyn kept her cool after a difficult first set, which she lost in a 7-3 tiebreak. The second set proved equally challenging. At 5-5, Bronsteyn knew that to lose two more games would mean a loss for the entire team.

Rain suddenly hit the courts and the match was suspended, leaving the sophomore to wait two tense days before she could return to face who Conneely described as the “wily, unorthodox third singles from Stoughton.” Despite the pressure, Bronsteyn pressed on and commanded play in the third set, taking it 6-1 to give Canton a 3-2 win.

On Thursday, Canton hosted the Hock Crossover match, falling 4-1 to North Attleboro with Erika Nannery pushing aside yet another talented first singles player 6-2, 6-3.

Second doubles featured two of the JV’s most promising players, Jude Altabba and Amberly Diep, who managed to take two games from their opponents.

The team will face its first postseason opponent on Friday.

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Posted by Kelsey Oates on Jun 1 2011. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.