Stoughton High Tennis Teams Look for Continued Improvement This Spring

Both tennis teams made improvements from 2010 to 2011, and both squads look to continue making progress in 2012.

The girls’ team went winless in coach Bill Donovan’s first season four years ago. The team’s current seniors were freshmen at the time. Since then, Stoughton has improved to three wins in 2010 and six wins in 2011.

The goal is to win at least six, if not more in 2012, Donovan said. The team plays 16 matches, so eight wins would put the team in contention for a spot in the postseason.

The senior-laden roster (nine of 19 are part of the class of 2012) is led by senior captains Valerie Szeto and Taylor Goodrich. Szeto is at first doubles with Olivia Panacy. Goodrich anchors second doubles with Vicki Tran.

As she has done for three years, junior Kiana Kountze will play first singles. Ally Cohen will play second singles and third singles is still to be determined, although Marie Maillet has the early edge at the final singles spot, Donovan said.

“We’ve gradually improved the last three years,” Donovan said. He felt this team was the “best group” of players he has had in terms of commitment and effort.

On the boys’ side, Stoughton in May of 2011, and finished the season with two wins. Matt Bernstein, now in his fourth year as coach of the team, looks to at the very least double the 2011 win total.

“I do expect and I would not be surprised if we won more [than four matches] because we can do it…we’re still moving forward,” Bernstein said.

Junior Jalen Joseph will play first singles, Jeremy Lim will play second singles, and like the girls’ team, third singles is still to be decided.

Stephen Colling and Sheldon Oliveira will man first doubles while Jeff Zeserson and Ross Andler will play at second doubles.

Joey Ialuna and Zeserson are the two captains.

Bernstein likes the depth of this year’s team.

“I have a group of players that are right on the heels of those playing for points,” he said.

“We’re going to come out strong in the beginning. I have a good feeling,” he added.

Both teams travel to Foxboro on Tuesday and Norwood on Thursday to start the season.

While the 2011 Town Meeting to repair Stoughton High’s , they are not ready for use. The courts may not be ready until May, and, in fact, may not be ready for this season at all.

As a result, just like last year, Stoughton High’s tennis teams will play all matches on the road.

“It’s tough because the girls are very committed and no one has complained,” Donovan said. “They’ve been doing what they’ve been asked with less than ideal circumstances.”

“I’ll play on dirt; it doesn’t matter,” Bernstein said. “My boys are going to win regardless of if they have courts or not. But, I do believe my boys deserve the courts.”