Norwood Girls Tennis

The Norwood girls tennis team finished just below .500 last spring, but are looking to get over that hump this campaign. Having lost no one to graduation, Coach Carl Briggs is optimistic about the team’s chances this year.
“All 16 girls are coming back with no new players joining us, the Norwood Coach said. "We had four freshmen come to the meetings, but they all decided on other sports. With that said, we’re looking to improve upon last year’s numbers and hopefully get over .500 this year.”
If the Mustangs are to have any luck on the courts, it all starts with tri-captain Iowana Stoica at first singles. Last spring Stoica was also Norwood’s highest ranked tennis player and was a diamond in the rough for Briggs.
“As last year’s top player she was a pleasant surprise, winning seven matches against some highly talented athletes,” Briggs said. “She is an incredible player and after last year’s performance I’m looking for her to improve.”
Following Stoica in the singles ranks are junior Alexa DiCesare at second singles and senior Anna Unyuen playing third singles. DiCesare played third singles for the Mustangs last year and has proven to be quite the solid player this year capturing wins in her first two contests. Unyuen last graced the Norwood tennis courts as a sophomore where she played doubles. After a semester abroad, she is back ready to help Norwood break their .500 objective.
“Anna was previously a doubles player two years ago, so she is new to singles,” the coach said. “However, she has a lot of energy and is great at keeping the ball in play. I’m hoping that she gains experience as the year goes on.”
On the doubles circuit, Briggs has his top tandem named, but things are still up in the air for the second duo (4-6 girls are still vying for those two openings). Holding down the first doubles spot are junior Veronica Coard and senior tri-captain Radah Dave. Both girls played doubles last spring and even saw a handful of matches as a team. The team’s third and final senior tri-captain is Jyotika Tanden.
Playing in the Bay State Conference Briggs knows is not going to be an easy thing, but the Mustangs will have to sneak up on a few team’s if they want to rise above a .500 season.
“This conference is very tough with a lot of tennis programs in it, Briggs said. "Norwood is not one of the strongest towns for tennis. We’ll be going facing many powerhouse teams throughout the season.”
If Norwood stays the course and wins the matches they are capable of winning and sneaks out a few wins against teams they are not scheduled to beat, the Mustangs should have a chance of accomplishing their pre-season goal of topping .500 this spring.