MIAA Roundup: English girls tennis team falls in tournament opener

The Lynn English girls tennis team had to wait for what seemed to be an eternity, but in the end, the Bulldogs bowed out of the Division 1 North tournament as they were blanked by Chelmsford, 5-0.Click here for a photo gallery.In the process, however, third singles player Thanh Bui hung tough in her match. She lost in straight sets, but the second set went to a tiebreaker, where the Chelmsford player finally prevailed, 7-5.Also having a close match was the second doubles team of Dina Robles and Kelly Santana, who fell, 6-4, 6-3.The Bulldogs, who were the top seed, finish the season at 11-2.Marblehead 4, Belmont 1At Bass River, third seeded Marblehead was impressive in the Division 2 North quarterfinals against 11th seeded Belmont.Marblehead winners were: Mary Lindsay Ryan, second singles (6-4, 7-6); Annie Ryan, third singles (6-0, 6-1); Megan Stanojev and Lindsey Cohen, first doubles (6-0, 6-1); Meghan Gabel and Kelly Mealey, second doubles (2-6, 6-2, 6-2).Marblehead’s lone loss came in Tori Booth at first singles in a very tight three set match (2-6, 6-2, 4-6). Marblehead will hope to take this momentum and upset top seeded Concord Carlisle Friday in the Division 2 North semifinals.Bedford 4, Lynnfield 1At Lynnfield, the Pioneers saw their season come to a close in the Division 3 North semifinals against ninth seeded Bedford. Lynnfield’s lone winner was Ava Grava at second singles (5-7, 6-3, 10-3 super tiebreaker). Lynnfield coach Craig Stone was very pleased with his team’s season.”I had no idea what to expect from my team this year. Our two top single players graduated last year, and this team only got better in every match they played,” Stone said.Lynnfield finished the year at 12-6.BOYS TENNISSt. John’s 5, Acton-Boxborough 0At The Prep, the Eagles advance to the Division 1 North final against Lexington Friday at 3:30. The MIAA is still trying to find a neutral site.Wednesday, it was Cameron Trosin, 6-3, 6-1, first singles; Chris Toner, 6-1, 6-1, in second and Nico Limacher, 6-2, 6-2, in third. In doubles, Mark Corvi-Ian Wright won, 6-3, 6-1, in first; and Dan Cunningham-Alec McNiff won in No. 2, 6-4, 6-2.Burlington 5, Danvers 0At Burlington, the Falcons had a strong team effort despite the result in the Division 2 North quarterfinals. Falcon Nick Lisichenok was denied in his quest of a perfect individual season (19-1) at first singles. Danvers coach Ken Rawson is very optimistic about his team’s future.”In my six years here at Danvers, this was the best finish for any of my teams yet. This team showed great character every match. Most of my team is returning next year, so I hope for a bright future,” Rawson said.Danvers finished the year 15-5.BASEBALLBurlington 5, Danvers 3At Salem State, the Falcons saw their season come to an end in the Division 2 North quarterfinals at the hands of seventh-seeded Burlington. Danvers jumped out of the gates fast and had a 3-1 lead after the first inning. Burlington changed its pitcher after the first inning, and brought in its top hurler in Peter Dawe. Dawe shut down Danvers once he set foot on the mound, and limited the Falcons to only two hits in the last six innings of play. Danvers coach Roger Day was happy with his team’s overall season.”My team exceeded all expectations that I had for them this year. I am always disappointed with a loss, but my team had a great season,” Day said.Danvers sent Scott Hovey to the hill, where he had a solid performance (6.1 innings, 5 runs, 5 strikeouts, 6 walks, 8 hits). A.J. Couto had a strong day at the dish for Danvers (2 hits, triple).Danvers finished the year at 17-6.