Page 18 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, May 24, 2019 Girls tennis could make playoffs but needs help Saugus captain Kelly Gray charges forward for this return shot in action against Marblehead last Thursday. (Advocate Photos by Greg Phipps) Senior Vi Pham returns this shot in her singles match against Marblehead. Freshman standout Cadence Callahan follows through on this shot in singles action last Thursday. Senior Alana Aldred focuses on the ball during doubles play against Marblehead. By Greg Phipps B efore last Thursday’s home match against a powerful Marblehead team, Saugus girls’ tennis head coach Kristen Gerety said it will take a lot for her squad to make a second straight trip to the postseason this spring. But she added it isn’t completely out of the question. The abundance of wet weather this year could play a part in whether or not the Sachems receive a bid. “There has been some chatter among the [Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association] administration about the overwhelming number of makeups. Some teams need to reschedule since we had such a rainy season,” Gerety explained. “Some are scheduling weekend matches to fall within the May 30 cutoff date. We haven’t had that problem here in Saugus.” Gerety further pointed out that matches which cannot be made up may count as a loss for both teams involved. “A lot of teams are really struggling [so] there’s a slight chance this can work in our favor when the percentages are computed at Seniors Alana Aldred, Vi Pham, Kelly Gray and Collette Webster were honored during the team’s Senior Day celebration last Thursday. the end of May,” she observed. “In the meantime, we continue to train hard.” Last Thursday’s Senior Day match against the Northeastern Conference–leading Magicians ended in a 5-0 loss. Before that, wins over Gloucester and Winthrop and defeats to Danvers and Beverly left the Sachems at 7-7 on the season. That mark fell to 7-8 when Saugus dropped its match against Swampscott on Monday. Road contests later this week against Marblehead and Peabody were set to close out the regular season. The Sachems were playing their last several matches without top singles player Lanna Queiroz, who had to cease competing due to an injury. On Senior Day, a pre-match ceremony honored graduating players Kelly Gray, Alana Aldred, Vi Pham and Collette Webster. World Series Park will host Kids’ Day at State Babe Ruth Tournament in July (Editor’s Note: The following story is based on a press release issued this week by World Series Park.) T he Eastern Massachusetts State Babe Ruth 15-YearOld Tournament will be held at World Series Park in Saugus July 5 through July 10. As part of the tournament, a Kids’ Day will be held on Sunday, July 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. – highlighted by the appearance of Lowell Spinners’ mascot “Canaligator” – there’ll be an obstacle course and games. All children will receive free popcorn and cotton candy. This will be the third time World Series Park has hosted a state tournament. Winning teams from eastern Massachusetts district and sectional tournaments as well as the Saugus Babe Ruth 15-Year-Old All-Star Team will be competing in this 12-game, pool-play tournament. Wheelabrator Saugus has offered to sponsor this tournament. The renewable energy company has been a longtime community partner, repeatedly stepping up to donate to efforts that benefit the youngsters of Saugus. Wheelabrator sponsored the previous state tournaments at World Series Park. On Friday, July 5 at 5 p.m., an opening night ceremony will be conducted on the field. This will include the Lynn English Marine Corps ROTC color guard, introduction of teams, singing of the National Anthem by Kim Tobey, remarks by state and local dignitaries and the throwing out of the ceremonial first pitch by Wheelabrator Saugus General Manager Peter Kendrigan. “We’re honored to have been invited to host this tournament,” World Series Park Superintendent Bob Davis said. “We think it’s great for Saugus, great for Saugus Babe Ruth, which is making a successful comeback, and it provides a great highlight to the 2019 season. We’re also very appreciative of Wheelabrator Saugus for being willing to sponsor this tournament,” he said. A KIDS ’ DAY GUEST: Lowell Spinners’ mascot “Canaligator” will visit the State Babe Ruth Tournament Kids’ Day (July 7) at World Series Park in Saugus. (Courtesy Photo to The Saugus Advocate)
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