Veteran women tennis preps for extra success in 2026
Tracy Ackerman is barely days away from starting her 10th season because the Marblehead High women tennis coach. Rival Masco will present the competitors in Chieftain nation on Monday, April 6, at 4 p.m. The Magicians will observe that up with the house opener 4 days afterward April 10 in opposition to non-league Hamilton-Wenham on the identical time.
Ackerman’s targets for this season stay the identical, and it’s so simple as contending for the Northeastern Conference championship, and qualifying for the state event.
Last yr, because the 18th seed within the Division 2 state event, the Magicians (13-4) have been in a position to upset these Chieftains (12-2), the 15th seed, within the Round of 32 to start the postseason, 3-2. But then, they dropped a 4-1 determination to Wayland, the second seed, within the Sweet 16, whereas the Warriors continued on with two extra wins, earlier than shedding to undefeated Longmeadow, the highest seed, within the state finals, 3-2.
But that’s up to now, and now Ackerman is onto a model-new marketing campaign with 5 holdovers from final yr’s squad. She expects all of them to make a big effect to assist the group safe one other successful report.
Senior tri-captain Samara Dosch returns because the group’s first singles participant. “Sami has the benefit of last year’s experiences,” mentioned Ackerman. “As always, she will face the opposition’s best player, but I know that she is up to the task.”
Senior tri-captain Caroline Bruett made the All-Conference group final yr as a second doubles participant, however this season she’s going to anchor first doubles. “Bruett won some really close, competitive matches last year, and that experience coupled with her leadership qualities should continue to make her a formidable opponent.”
Senior tri-captain Joy Meshulam was injured final yr, and consequently, she’s anxious to get again on the market on the courts to play an necessary function within the beginning lineup.
Junior Callie Gilmore would be the group’s second singles participant. “Callie was a utility player, who stepped up for us in some crucial matches last year,” mentioned Ackerman. “She is a natural athlete, and I have high hopes that she’ll have even more success throughout the next three months.”
Erin Wilder, additionally a returnee, is at the moment recuperating from an harm, however the coach hopes for a fast restoration, as a result of she is one other considered one of her impactful athletes.
Lilly O’Keefe and freshman Sophie Li have been spectacular in follow, in response to Ackerman. The veteran coach then mentioned of her total varsity group: “Overall, they have great attitudes with the same amount of energy to keep that winning tradition going for another year.”
Girls lacrosse drops opener to host Woburn
The Marblehead High women lacrosse group misplaced a excessive scoring, aggressive matchup to host Woburn, 12-11 on March 26 to start a brand new season. The Tanners additionally had a slim lead at halftime, 6-5.
“It was a strong first game,” mentioned veteran head coach Annie Madden. “Our defense was outstanding. We spent most of the game (shorthanded), but as a whole, the team still rose to the challenge by communicating well and pushing the ball up in transition to ultimately keep it close on the scoreboard.”
Addie Co-Peeps (1 objective, 1 help), Emma Ryan (4 targets), Zoe Dwyer (4 targets, 3 assists), Gwen Potter (2 assists), Maggie Svencer (1 objective) and June Crawford (1 objective, 1 help) factored into the scoring in opposition to host Woburn. Goalie Molly Bullard did the job to maintain her teammates within the recreation with 10 important saves.
Last yr, these Magicians completed the common season with a 12-6 report, and have been the 23rd seed within the Division 2 state event. They then ended up shedding to Grafton, the tenth seed, within the Round of 32, 14-6.