Girls’ tennis team splits first 2 matches at home

The CHS girls’ tennis team started its season with a 1-1 split, beating Dedham but falling to Sharon in two home matches last week.

Freshman Erica Nannery

In the season opener against Dedham, the Bulldogs edged out a 3-2 win. Erika Nannery easily notched a bagel in her first high school match, crushing her opponent 6-0, 6-0. Her older sister, junior Michaela Nannery, continued her winning CHS career with a 6-2, 6-1 win. Freshman Pranathi Ganni showed confidence in her first match along with her partner, Aimee Pina, for a dominant performance at second doubles that ended in a 6-1, 6-0 win.

The next match proved less successful for the team, but showcased stellar tennis by the team’s most talented players. Erika Nannery proved her opening bid was no fluke with a 6-2, 6-1 win again Sharon’s top player. Michaela Nannery was right beside her, defeating her opponent 6-3, 6-1.

Coach Sheila Conneely described the tension of the match. It “was tied up by straight-set victories for Sharon in both third singles and second doubles,” she said, “and it came down to the last match on court, first doubles [Pina and Ganni].”

After their win at second doubles, Conneely had moved up the young duo to first doubles, and the two played with poise and skill, forcing their opponents to go to a third set after a tight second-set tiebreak. Their final score was an achingly close 6-3, 6-7 (4-7), 7-5.

“I was proud of both Aimee and Pranathi,” said Conneely. “They fought hard throughout.”

With a team full of freshmen, sophomores, and just one junior, Conneely plans to “shuffle people around and figure out who works best where and with whom.” Still very early in the season, the coach has time to perfect the lineup. Judging by the talent already shown, the Bulldogs are in for a strong season.

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Posted by Kelsey Oates on Apr 14 2011. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.