Girls tennis team opens with a win

The Revere High girls tennis team opened their 2010 campaign with a tight 3-2 win over Northeastern Conference rival Salem last Thursday.

Coach Carla Maniscalco’s four senior captains led the way to the victory. Elma Meskovic, playing at No. 1 singles, handily dispatched with her Salem counterpart in straight sets, 6-1, 6-1, as did Victoria Mauro at No. 2 singles, 6-2, 6-0.

The first singles tandem of Jennifer Kingston and Donna Le then clinched the match with a hard fought 6-4, 6-3 triumph over their Witch opponents. “The first doubles match was close and hard fought all the way,” said Maniscalco. “Jennifer and Donna stayed consistent and played tough to give us the victory.”

The coach also had praise for sophomore Mounia El-Arar, playing at No. 3 singles in her first varsity match, who stretched her opponent to three sets before succumbing by a score of 7-5, 3-6, 2-6. The sophomore duo of Cristina DiFabio and Samantha Harris, playing at second doubles, also played well despite a 2-6, 2-6 setback.

“The team overall played well,” said Maniscalco. “We have a nice blend of experience and younger players and we’re looking forward to an enjoyable season.”

The girls were set to host Lynn Classical today (Wednesday) and Beverly Friday at their “home courts” in Winchester. They will travel to Lynn English Tuesday and to Peabody Wednesday.