The Swampscott High School girls tennis team defeated Peabody Veteran’s Memorial High School 5-0 on Monday, marking the Big Blue’s eighth consecutive shutout victory. Overall, the team has won its first 12 matches of the season.
Head Coach Emily Cilley said that throughout all of the wins and keeping an undefeated streak, the team enters each practice and match with the main goal of having fun.
“The goal is always going to be to have fun and feel good about what you’re doing,” said Cilley. “Being successful is pretty fun. It’s a little bit of extra drive for the girls to keep it going.”
Two of the players leading the way for the Big Blue are sophomore Nikki Carr and freshman Ginger Gregoire.
Carr regularly starts in the team’s first singles position, typically given to a strong player. She has not lost a match yet this season.
Gregoire pairs talent and mental toughness on the court, which Cilley says has been key to her success.
“She’s just incredibly good,” said Cilley of the freshman. “She doesn’t get in her head at all. She’s a very mature player and has a good tennis IQ, which allows her to get through difficult times in a match.”
The team success so far has allowed Cilley to spread valuable playing time across the roster.
“It’s nice when we play some of the teams that are a little less difficult to be able to play all of the other players on the team,” said Cilley. “We’ve been able to do a lot of that and that’s been really fun.”
Despite boasting an undefeated record, Cilley said the group hasn’t let the success get into their heads.
“I think they just think it’s fun,” said Cilley. “They know they’re in a good spot and they just want to keep riding that wave.”
Being good teammates and supporting one another pairs with the team’s talent, Cilley said.
“The girls are good athletes,” said Cilley. “They’re good students. They’re smart. They know how to work as a team.”
Monday’s match was the first of a stretch of seven in just eight days. Four of the team’s next six matches are on the road.
“A lot of these girls are in AP testing right now,” said Cilley. “It’s the end of the year. The seniors are trying to wrap things up, so it’s a lot. These girls have a lot on their plates, but they’re a real smart group and they know how to manage their time well.”
The Big Blue will next take the court on Tuesday at Swampscott Middle School against Gloucester High School.
