MVRHS boys tennis and girls lacrosse teams advance

The MIAA Division III playoffs are underway for the Vineyarders.

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Boys tennis cruises to Elite Eight

The No. 5 MVRHS boys tennis team began its quest to return to the state semifinals on Friday, dominating No. 28 Maimonides 5-0 at home. They followed this victory up on Monday with another 5-0 performance at the Ned Fennessy Courts versus No. 21 Boston Latin in the Sweet 16, improving to 14-4 on the season.

The Vineyarders dropped only one set across both match days.

“The boys are playing well, I’m very proud of them,” MVRHS head Coach Nicole Macy said. “They had more of a push [on Monday], but they totally rose to the occasion. The vibes are good.”

The winner of No. 4 Apponequet (19-0) and No. 20 Foxborough (10-8) awaits the Vineyard. MVRHS previously played Apponequet twice during the regular season, losing both matches 3-2.

“We need first doubles and third singles to keep winning — they won both matchups [versus Apponequet] already,” Macy said. “Everybody else just needs to step up the offense and decrease errors. The usual stuff, just under more pressure.”

MVRHS’ expected starting lineup in the Elite Eight will be juniors Zak Potter, Caleb Dubin, and Kert Kleeman in singles, juniors Kyle Levy and Otis Forrester in first doubles, and sophomore Tommy Flynn, plus junior Henry Wansiewicz, in second doubles.

Macy says the Vineyarders’ doubles synergy is peaking at the right time.

“We have the twin towers in first doubles, with a killer combo in Kyle serving and Otis at net,” Macy said. “In second doubles, we have Tommy’s awesome serve and Henry’s bullet of a backhand.”

The time, date and location of the Vineyard’s Elite Eight matchup will be announced later this week.

Girls lacrosse wins prelim game, then loses to No. 5 Foxborough

The No. 28 MVRHS girls lacrosse team kicked off their postseason with a preliminary game at home on Friday — versus first-year head Coach Lauren Pineau’s alma mater.

Both MVRHS and No. 37 Greater New Bedford Tech entered Friday’s match with identical 9-9 records, but the Vineyarders pulled away in the second quarter and never looked back.

“It was a big game for me, and for the team,” Pineau said. “New Bedford thought they could come out and push the girls around, but we applied immediate pressure on defense, and held possession 75 percent of the time.”

Senior Ali Dyke led the way on offense with four goals, one assist, and seven successful draws. Juniors Annabelle Metell and Lizzie Chvatal notched two goals apiece, and senior goalie Clara Mikos logged seven saves.

Pineau says the Vineyarders moved the ball well in the midfield, were vocal, and had a winning mentality.

“People say we’re like seagulls, always yelling, ‘I got ball,’ and confusing the opposing team,” Pineau said. “Our passing in the midfield and communication on offense has really improved this season.”

The Vineyarders’ postseason campaign ended on Monday afternoon, losing 17-6 to No. 5 Foxborough (13-6) away. MVRHS was scoreless through halftime, but kept fighting, and was rewarded with a quick burst of goals at the end of the third quarter and into the fourth.

“We knew it was going to be a hard-fought game against a skilled, smart team,” Pineau said. “We were discouraged in the beginning, but at the end it came together. We walked off with our heads held high, knowing we played the best we could.”

Pineau is planning on coaching MVRHS again next year, helping establish continuity in a program that has had four different coaches in four consecutive seasons.

“At first, half the girls were one foot in, one foot out, and I don’t blame them. It’s about establishing a culture, and now affirming it next year,” Pineau said. “We have a lot of great personalities on this team, and I’m excited to see the girls keep growing as leaders and women.”

Girls tennis falls valiantly in first round of playoffs

Victories in first and second doubles weren’t enough for No. 23 MVRHS (7-10) to overcome No. 10 Danvers (17-1) on the road last Wednesday, as the Vineyarders fell 3-2 in the first round of the state tournament.

Longtime duo Sophia Balsas and Ellie Pennington prevailed in first doubles, 7-5, 6-3, and juniors Ella Moran and Clementine Zeender dominated in second doubles, 6-2, 6-2.

In singles, freshmen Laina Dubin, Leah Thomson, and Zoe Treitman fought hard, but couldn’t get over the hump versus a more experienced Danvers core.

“We played well. Our doubles pairings won to keep us close, and the singles players were up against older, stronger players,” MVRHS head Coach Bill Rigali said. “It was a good season — much to build on.”

Undermanned boys lacrosse team loses first-round playoff game

The No. 27 MVRHS boys lacrosse team (4-14) struggled to get going versus No. 6 Burlington (15-4) on the road Friday afternoon, losing 17-5 in the first round of the state tournament.

A few key injuries hampered the Vineyarders’ cause, including a fractured thumb sustained by Rivier University commit Liam Conley nine days prior.

Head Coach Chris Greene was able to get his young team plenty of experience against a tougher schedule this year, and is looking forward to next season.