Girls’ tennis team falls in 2nd round of sectionals
By Kelsey Oates
Junior Micaela Nannery wrapped up a memorable season with two outstanding performances in the sectional tournament.
The CHS girls’ tennis team finished its 2011 season with an impressive 11-7 record. The Bulldogs’ last win came in the postseason against Bishop Stang, before a season-ending loss to fourth-seeded Hopkinton.
Playing their final home game brought out the best in the Bulldogs, with all players having standout moments. Freshman Erika Nannery was the first to take a point, finishing off her first singles opponent in just 45 minutes (6-1, 6-0). Nannery’s variety of shots — including a one-handed backhand slice — were too much for her Bishop Stang counterpart.
Junior Micaela Nannery soon followed, overwhelming her opponent at second singles with a commanding performance (6-1, 6-0). She racked up the aces with a hard, flat first serve, and her ability to hit heavy top spin on one shot and a sliced drop shot the next kept her opponent moving all over the court. The Bishop Stang bench was abuzz with how dominating Canton’s first and second singles were.
Sophomore Alice Bronsteyn capped a season-long show of improvement with a 6-4, 6-3 win. Bronsteyn’s weapon is her tenacity. She runs down every ball, forcing her opponent to always hit one more shot. Her power allows her to hit deep to the baseline — whether it is the first point or the last — making her an asset at third singles.
Aimee Pina and Eleni Papadopoulus showed their doubles prowess as they won a super tie-break to take first doubles. Pina is a natural doubles player, with an innate feel for placement and touch. She knows where her opponent is going and how to put away the point. Papadopoulus demonstrated strong net play and smart shotmaking, often putting the ball up the middle of the court, a deadly shot in doubles.
Pranathi and Pujitha Ganni lost at second doubles, but showed promise as partners. They had quick reactions at the net, a skill that can make or break a doubles player. They also talk well during the match, the essence of doubles teamwork.
The Bulldogs’ season came to a close against Hopkinton, with Micaela Nannery delivering the standout performance at second singles. “Micaela was consistent throughout her match,” said coach Sheila Conneely, “and her powerful, well-placed serves really were the difference in the second set.” Currently a junior, Micaela will continue to lead the Bulldogs in 2012.
Conneely is optimistic about her team’s future, which — after the Bulldogs’ great run — looks especially bright.
“Today’s loss brings our season to a close,” she said. “We finished with an overall 11-7 record and are graduating no seniors. Next year looks very promising.”
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=5757
Posted by Kelsey Oates
on Jun 8 2011. Filed under High School, Sports.
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