Elsie DeGrano
Newburyport, Jr., Singles
Now a two-time Daily News All-Star. Bumped up from No. 2 doubles last year to take over the No. 2 singles spot. Co-captain finished the spring with an 11-5 record, and helped Newburyport (12-5) make the program’s fourth straight Division 3 quarterfinals. Was the deciding match in a 3-2 victory over Apponequet in the Round of 16, winning a marathon three-setter, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5). Also beat Sandwich in the first round, 6-3, 6-1. A huge 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (9-7) victory to help fuel an overall match win against a Lynnfield team ranked No. 1 in Division 4. A flawless 6-0, 6-0 win over Pentucket, and a 6-0, 6-3 victory against Amesbury. Beat Triton twice, then had a solid 6-4, 6-2 win over Rockport. Honor Roll student is also a talented skier who provided 104 points to help Newburyport experience its best ever season this winter.
Gretchen Boelke
Newburyport, Jr., Singles
Only started two matches a year ago, but took a huge leap forward this spring to post a 10-4 record at No. 3 singles. Helped Newburyport (12-5) make a run to the program’s fourth straight Division 3 quarterfinal. Provided the team’s lone match victory in a 4-1 loss down at Martha’s Vineyard in the Elite 8, winning 7-5, 6-2. Also won her match against Sandwich in the first round, 6-1, 6-0. Arguable best win was a 4-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 victory over No. 1-ranked Lynnfield (Div. 4). Put up excellent fight against eventual Division 4 state champion Hamilton-Wenham, falling in a multi-hour marathon, 6-4, 2-6, 6-7 (5-7). Earned a flawless 6-0, 6-0 victory over Amesbury, and had other quick wins against Triton (x2) and Pentucket. Honor Roll student was also a Daily News Volleyball All-Star this fall who finished the year with a team-high 266 assists and 63 aces.
Lily Su/Sadie Reardon
Newburyport, Sr./Jr., Doubles
Just overall good athletes, both came in with virtually no prior playing experience, but were still able to thrive as a No. 2 doubles unit. Each finished with a team-best 12-3 record, which mainly came together. Helped Newburyport (12-5) make the program’s fourth straight trip to the Division 3 quarterfinals. Won their match against Sandwich in the first round, 6-1, 6-2, then beat Apponequet in the Round of 16 by the same score. Beat a Lynnfield team that was ranked No. 1 in Division 4. Arguable best win of the year was a 7-2, 2-6, 6-1 victory against eventual Division 4 state champion Hamilton-Wenham. Both won singles matches against Rockport. Put up perfect 6-0, 6-0 victories against North Reading and Triton (x2), then had a 6-2, 6-0 win over Amesbury and a 6-0, 6-2 victory against Pentucket. Both are consistently Newburyport Honor Roll students. Reardon also plays volleyball during the fall.
Kate Mellet/Leah Enes
Newburyport, Sophs., Doubles
Sophomore duo similarly didn’t have much playing experience coming into the year, but still connected to make a formidable top doubles team. Ended the season with a 10-5 record. Helped Newburyport (12-5) make it to the program’s fourth straight Division 3 quarterfinal. Won an easy 6-1, 6-4 match against Sandwich in the first round of the playoffs, then followed with a marathon 7-6 (8-6), 3-6, 6-4 victory over Apponequet in the Round of 16. Best win of the year was a 6-7, 6-1, 6-4 victory over eventual Division 4 state champion Hamilton-Wenham. Earned two flawless 6-0, 6-0 wins over North Reading and Triton. Took down Amesbury, 6-4, 6-4, then followed with a nice 6-4, 6-3 win over Rockport. Beat Pentucket twice, with one of those matches ending in a 6-0, 7-6 (9-7) thriller. Both have been Newburyport Honor Roll students.