Canton High tennis teams notch first wins

After a slow start to the 2018 season against some of the toughest opponents in the Hockomock League, both Canton High tennis teams managed to break into the win column over the past week with matching 4-1 victories over Davenport foe Milford.

The girls notched their win at home last Friday while the boys won in an away match earlier this week. Prior to facing Milford, the two Canton squads had lost a total of five matches against King Philip, North Attleboro and Sharon — three powerhouse programs with a combined record of 24-2.

For the lady Bulldogs, freshman Rachel Kupferman led the way against the Hawks at second singles, dominating her opponent 6-0, 6-0 in windy conditions to earn her second win of the season. Sophomore Sarah Hernandez also won convincingly at third singles (6-0, 6-2) as did the two doubles teams of Jena Moyle and Stelina Michaelidis (6-0, 6-2) and Caitlin Matthews and Sophie Le (6-3, 6-2). Freshman Natalie Keppler also played well in a tough loss at first singles, falling 7-5, 6-4 to Milford senior Julie Rabinowitz.

“The girls came ready to play and I am really proud of the work they did to take the match,” remarked head coach Joel Chamberlain. “It’s a great way to win the first of the year. All players were positive despite the tough, windy conditions and really earned this one.”

Conditions were much improved for the boys’ match on Monday and the Bulldogs took full advantage, cruising to a 4-1 victory behind shutout wins from seniors Jake Wolicki (1st singles) and Justin Diep (2nd singles) and the doubles duo of Minh Duong and Justin Luk. Canton’s other win on the day came at third singles as senior Aidas Jakubenas outlasted his Milford opponent in three sets, 7-6, 4-6, 10-3.

Head coach Leo Nelson was impressed with the team’s performance and sees it as something to build on following an admittedly rough start. Despite their 1-3 record, the Bulldogs still have high hopes for themselves this season as they look to make a run at a third consecutive state tournament berth.

Both Canton teams were scheduled to face Foxboro and Stoughton on back-to-back days this week with upcoming matches against Franklin, Taunton and Attleboro.

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Posted by Jay Turner on Apr 27 2018. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.