Girls’ tennis opens 1-1 in up-and-down week

Senior Micaela Nannery's hot start has the Bulldogs thinking big this season. (Mike Barucci photo)

The Canton High School girls’ tennis team is off to a 1-1 start in its 2012 campaign after a 3-2 win last Monday against Boston Latin, followed by a 3-2 loss the following day against Sharon. A mixed bag of a start, however, has not deterred new head coach Bill Kates, who predicts a strong season for his squad.

If the first match is any indication, then the Bulldogs will live up to Coach Kates’ prediction. Sophomore Erica Nannery set the tone at first singles, winning in two sets, 6-0, 6-2. Her sister, senior Micaela Nannery, similarly dominated her second singles match, winning 6-3, 6-1.

The doubles team of juniors Eleni Papadopoulos and Jude Altabbaa gave Canton its third victory of the match. The pair cruised past the competition 6-3, 6-2.

Unfortunately, Canton’s matchup on the road against Sharon last Tuesday was a disappointment, with the Bulldogs dropping three consecutive matches after jumping out to a 2-0 lead. The Nannery sisters dominated early on, with Erica cruising to a 6-2, 6-2 victory and Micaela rallying to a win 6-4, 6-2.

The key match, however, proved to be that of the first doubles team of juniors Aimee Pina and Kristen Burns. The duo gave it their best, but eventually fell in three sets, 6-4, 5-7, 5-7. It was a “heartbreaker” of a match, according to Kates, who added that the team “proceeded to lose the next two matches.”

With some big matches coming up, Kates explained that he may switch things around a little and “try a slightly new lineup.” Looking forward, he remains hopeful for a successful season. “I’m predicting a top-three finish in the league,” he said.

The Bulldogs were scheduled to face Foxboro at home on Tuesday and on the road against Mansfield today.

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Posted by Holly Erickson on Apr 11 2012. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.