Girls’ tennis team splits week, stays at .500

The CHS girls’ tennis team had two matches during April vacation and came away with a win and a loss, bringing its overall record to 3-3.

Junior Michaela Nannery

The first match of the week saw the Bulldogs face Dedham for the second time. But unlike in their previous matchup, in which Canton eked out a 3-2 win, the Bulldogs dominated with a 5-0 result.

Freshman Erika Nannery once again asserted herself as Canton’s premier player, defeating her opponent with a simple 6-1, 6-1. Coach Sheila Conneely praised Nannery’s individual strengths.

“Basically,” Conneely said, “she has a fantastic all-around game. Erika has a fantastic first and second serve and a beautiful slice backhand — which you so rarely see in high school girls’ tennis.”

Conneely also cited Nannery’s USTA doubles participation, noting that the experience “comes out in her singles play — her confidence and prowess at the net is clear.”

The other four Canton points came easily, with the rest of the team winning in straight sets as well. Junior captain Michaela Nannery won second singles at 6-3, 6-1. Sophomore Alice Bronsteyn posted her first win of the season in the difficult third singles slot at 6-2, 6-1. Aimee Pina and Pranathi Ganni won first doubles at 6-0, 6-4, and sophomores Pujitha Ganni and Jude Altabaa won at second doubles with 6-1, 6-0.

Thursday’s match was a make-up with North Attleboro that ended in defeat for the Bulldogs. The match’s only point came from first singles.

“Erika Nannery was tested in the first set of her match,” Conneely said, “but ultimately was able to pull out a 7-6 (7-3), 6-2 win.”

Strong wind gusts in the first set threw off Nannery’s rhythm, but Conneely cited the freshman’s determination and grit in putting her back on track. Nannery settled down and returned to form in the second set, easily finishing the win.

The most devastating match came at second singles. For almost three hours, Michaela Nannery gave all she could against a very talented NA player. Although she dominated the second set, she ultimately came up short, 7-6 (7-4), 1-6, 7-5 in a match Conneely called a “heartbreaker.”

Still, Nannery’s skills were on full display. “Michaela’s best stroke is her forehand, but she has really improved her backhand this year, too,” Conneely said, adding that Nannery’s strong first serve is also an asset.

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Posted by Kelsey Oates on Apr 28 2011. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.