CHICOPEE — Taking advantage of two dominant singles performances, the Greenfield girls tennis team defeated Chicopee, 3-2, at Szot Park on Thursday afternoon in a Tri-County North matchup.
While the team is set at the top of the singles roster, Greenfield is still mixing and matching with doubles. Greenfield does not have a senior on the roster this season. The pairings could last beyond this season.
“I am finding out who is going to pair well with each other,” Greenfield coach Alexis Silk said. “It’s been kind of fun figuring out who will be doubles partners this year and continuing into next year. I think the team’s energy is very positive.”
At No. 1 singles, Amy Mihailicenco cruised past Ella Desrosiers, 6-0, 6-1. Mihailicenco showed a nice combination of strong serves and net play to get past Desrosiers in short order. Getting to the net is something Mihailicenco is working on in her junior season for the Green Wave (2-2, 2-2 Tri-County North).
“It went really well,” Mihailicenco said. “My serves are really good and I got a win. I am definitely getting up to the net more. I really like doing that. If I know they are off balance I try getting close to the net so they fumble with the ball and maybe hit it long.”
Mihailicenco began playing tennis in eighth grade with the help of her sister, Jessica Mihailicenco. The sisters still play each other occasionally.
“She convinced me to start playing,” Mihailicenco said. “I was really bad in eighth grade. But as soon as freshman year hit I was really good. Going to the courts with my sister really helped me.”
At No. 2 singles Karinna Kostov overpowered Leisha Carabello, 6-0, 6-1. The Green Wave are off to a good start to the season.
“It’s been going well,” Kostov said. “I think this season has a lot to hold for us since we are only at the halfway point. I think our team is doing pretty well.”
Kostov, a sophomore, worked in the offseason to improve her game. Often finding indoor spaces to play in the winter and getting extra work in during the hazy summer months.
“I have been working with a few of my other teammates during the summer,” Kostov said. “I go sometimes go to an indoor gym to practice on the wall.”
Adele Bross and Vera Jackson got the decisive win at No. 1 doubles. Bross and Jackson defeated Vicky Du and Beatrice Brown, 7-5, 6-1. At No. 3 singles, Greenfield’s Lizzy Derivolkova lost to Liliana Asselin 6-2, 6-2.
At No. 2 doubles, Clara Kelsey and Natalia Card fought hard in the second set but ultimately fell, 6-2, 7-5, to Sana Sawan and Dema Al-Serafi.
Agawam 3, Frontier 2 — The Brownies edged the Redhawks in South Deerfield in an independent match up. Brooke Charest and Hailey Fernandez defeated Addi Podworski and Nawra Ahmed No. 1 doubles, 7-5, 6-4. Esther Ehle and Ellie Wade came away with a victory in No. 2 doubles over Sofia Os and Lilia Vaskivska. In No. 1 singles, Thanushi Ratnatunge almost came back after losing the first set, but fell to Ryan Haglund, 6-1, 4-6 and 6-3.
Boys tennis
Frontier 2, Palmer 1 — With both teams shorthanded, the Redhawks (2-4) came away with a road in against the Panthers in an independent match up. Casey Bestler defeated Shane Normoyle, 6-0, 6-1 at No. 1 singles. Noah Nichols and Anthony Leonardi won at No. 1 doubles.
Softball
Mohawk 8, Drury 5 — Sadie Wilcox stepped into the circle and delivered a win for the Warriors in Buckland. Wilcox struck out 10 hitters in five innings in the Valley Wheel contest. The eighth grader did some damage at the plate for the Warriors (3-3, 2-2 Valley Wheel), going 3-for-4. Addie Loomis went 4-for-4 with a couple doubles for Mohawk. Juniper Totino got in on the action on offense, going 2-for-3 for the Warriors.
Volleyball
West Springfield 3, Frontier 0 — The Terriers were too much for the Redhawks in an independent match. Nate Rivera had three kills and five digs for Frontier (0-9). Ethan Rivera led the team with six assists.
Late Wednesday results
Softball
Mahar 12, Putnam 10 (five innings) — The Senators held off the Beavers in a Tri County matchup in Orange. Darkness ended the game in five innings. Lilah Paluk won in the circle, with Bella Burnett earning the save.
Boys tennis
Turners Falls 4, Chicopee 1 — After a win over the Pacers at Szot Park, the Thunder have now won four straight to begin the season. At No. 1 singles, Noah Kolodziej defeated Austin Horn, 6-1, 6-0. Mario Pareja took down Travis Podolski 6-4, 6-1 in No. 2 singles. The Thunder (4-0, 1-0 Tri County) benefited from two forfeits at No. 3 singles and No. 2 doubles.
