Natick June 2016

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Page 12 Local Town Pages www.naticktownnews.com June 2016 Sports Net Result—Natick Boys Tennis on an Upswing By Ken Hamwey, Staff Sports Writer The boys’ tennis team at Natick High is building tradition. Four years ago, when Adam Shute took the coaching reins, the Redhawks finished 3-12, then won one more match the following year. Two seasons ago, Natick topped .500, ending its campaign with a 10-8 record and a tournament berth. And, the progression continued last year — the Redhawks went 13-5 before losing to powerhouse Needham in the first round of the playoffs.- As the regular season heads for the finish line, the Redhawks were 9-1, a record that ensures another major step forward for the program and a record good enough for another playoff berth. “Five of our top seven players are seniors with lots of experience,’’ Shute, a physical education teacher at Wilson Middle School, said. “We’ve got talented players who are athletic, consistent, technically sound and mentally tough. One area, however, where we’re striving for improvement is competing with elite teams, like Wellesley, Needham, Brookline and Newton North. This year, we’re taking steps in that direction.’’ When the 36-year-old Shute, who played tennis at Windham High School in Maine, became Natick’s coach, there were no home courts. The new high school was under construction and the old courts were demolished to make room for the new building. All of the Redhawks’ matches were on the road. “Our records my first two years were sub-.500 and not having any courts probably led to our numbers staying low,’’ Shute noted. “But, once new courts were built, we compiled winning records and drew more students. I previously was Natick’s jayvee soccer coach for four years and some of the kids who knew me got the bug and came out for tennis.’’ Shute’s goals this season, his fifth at the helm, were to qualify for the tournament again and advance past the first round. “That’s our primary goal — to get past the first round and advance as far as possible,’’ he said. “We feel the program’s moving forward and we’re optimistic about the future.’’ For Natick, however, the future is now and it’s relying on a freshman and sophomore in singles play, and five seniors — one in singles and the other four in doubles. The singles lineup includes freshman Zak Jakobs in the No. 1 slot, senior tri-captain Quentin Putnam at second singles and soph Phillip Pogrebinski at No. 3. At Local Town Pages deadline, Jakobs was 7-2, Putnam was 9-1 and Pogrebinski had a 7-2 record. “Zak is a very accomplished player,’’ Shute emphasized. “He plays tennis year round and he competes in private tourneys. He’s an intelligent player whose forehand and backhand shots are consistent. He serves well, mixes power with finesse and he’s mentally tough. Quentin is a four-year veteran who has a powerful forehand and good slice backhand. He’s mentally Patios • Walkways • Pool Surrounds Retaining Walls • Outdoor Kitchens • Fire Pits Landscape Design & Installation Lawn Installation • Grading • Lot Clearing tough, too. I’d rate him one of the top second singles player in the Bay State Conference. Phillip is talented, has good technique, hits with power and has a good forehand and backhand.’’ Natick’s first doubles team consists of senior tri-captains Vijay Yedidi and Chai Vedula, a pair of four-year veterans whose record was 7-2 at Local Town Pages deadline. “Both boys played second doubles last year,’’ Shute said. “They have excellent chemistry and they’re strong net players. Neither gets flustered and both are calm under pressure. They rely on being athletic, mentally tough and intense.’’ The second doubles tandem features seniors Charlie Ide and Andrew Dubsky, who were 7-2. “This is the first season they teamed up but they work well together, they’re strong at the net and they serve effectively,’’ Shute said. “Both worked very hard in the off-season.’’ Shute is quick to credit the Redhawks’ success to his players and he’s effusive in his praise for his trio of captains. “Quentin, Vijay and Chai are terrific role models and quality leaders,’’ he noted. “And they’re always positive and always give a strong effort.’’ Yedidi cites Natick’s team chemistry as a big plus and a prime reason for its success. “Our experience and confidence are keys but team chemistry is a big asset,’’ he said. “Zak is our No. 1 player in singles and even though he’s a freshman, he’s a talented player. We’re all focused on doing well in the tourney, and advancing farther than previous years is our goal.’’ Shute, who has his physed degree from St. Joseph’s of Maine and his master’s in athletic administration from Springfield College, emphasized that the spring season is short, making it difficult to conduct extensive instruction. “I make tweaks but my main focus is on getting the kids to love tennis and work on their games in the off-season,’’ Shute said. That strategy seems to be working just fine for a program that’s rising fast. 508-376-2815 Free Estimates • Fully Insured www.WenzelLandscaping.com
June 2016 Local Town Pages www.naticktownnews.com Page 13 Natick Softball Captains Libbin, Mastrianni Key Assets on Young Redhawks Squad By Ken Hamwey, Staff Sports Writer Joyce Libbin and Madi Mastrianni are Natick High softball players who have a lot in common. Both are 17, they’ve been neighbors living on the same street for the last 15 years, both are National Honor society students, they play key infield positions and they’re junior captains. Libbin and Mastrianni also are two key assets on a squad that is young and inexperienced. The Redhawks faced huge odds to qualify for the tourney and their 4-9 record after 13 games left them with a very remote chance for a playoff berth. But, Libbin, who plays second base, and Mastrianni, a shortstop, will be the first to attest that Natick very likely will be a force next season in the Bay State League. “We lost seven players to graduation and two others didn’t return,’’ Libbin said. “We knew it would be a difficult task to qualify for post-season play but we’ve got players who are athletic, positive and eager to improve. This season has turned out to be a great learning experience and no doubt has prepared us for next year.’’ Mastrianni concurs and adds that “gaining experience will enable the entire team to know what to expect, be more comfortable and handle pressure situations.’’ Alyssa Mabardy, who has served as Natick’s interim coach this year after Kerryn Perkins took a maternity leave, rates her two captains as dynamic role models and awesome leaders. “Joyce is a vocal captain and Madi is a leader by example,’’ Mabardy said. “They work together so well in the infield. Joyce covers a lot of ground and Madi has good range and isn’t afraid to get her uniform dirty. On offense, Joyce is a consistent contact hitter and Madi gives us power. Both have good footwork, speed and strong arms.’’ Although Libbin and Mastrianni listed the playoffs as their Sports team goal, they both stressed the importance of everyone improving daily, in games and in practice. They know that mission has been accomplished and they’re pleased their individual objectives have been achieved. “I wanted to be consistent in the field and at the plate,’’ Libbin said. “Being as flawless as possible at second base was my main goal. And, I’m pleased I’ve increased by batting average from .320 last year to .440.’’ Mastrianni achieved the goals she had on her to-do list. “I wanted to eliminate mental errors,’’ she noted. “And be more steady at the plate by increasing my average from .350 last year to .440 and knocking in more runs.’’ The captains are optimistic 2017 will be a year of accomplishment and each points to a sophomore to help Natick elevate its stature in the BSL. Libbin admires the play of Julia Adelmann and Mastrianni likes Carly Erickson as a contributor. “Julia is versatile, able to play the outfield or the infield,’’ Libbin said. “She’s a strong hitter, fast and very consistent.’’ Mastrianni labels Erickson as “a first baseman who can hit, is driven and constantly improving.’’ And, both captains see no problem re-adjusting when Perkins returns next year. “Coach Mabardy did a good job motivating the players and getting us prepared,’’ Libbin and Mastrianni said. “She was very supportive. A transition back to coach Perkins won’t be difficult.’’ Both Libbin and Mastrianni point to games last year as sophomores that remain memorable and also strong efforts that boosted their confidence. “We missed the tourney as sophomores by one game,’’ Libbin said. “We had to beat Needham in our finale but we lost, 2-1. I had a double to drive in our only run and later had a GOT STYLES HAIR SALON B R A I D S We Supply Hair BRAIDS Junior captains Joyce Libbin, left, and Madi Mastrianni are key contributors for the Natick softball team. Great for swimming, camping, vacation, etc. 781-551-9888 677 Washington Street, Norwood gotstyleshairsalon@yahoo.com B R A I D S pair of singles.’’ Mastrianni went 3-for-3 against Milton, getting two doubles, a single and one RBI in a major triumph. A softball team needs to be strong up the middle, and Libbin and Mastrianni are proof that tenet is reliable. They both relish playing their positions. “At second base, I’m involved in a lot of plays,’’ Libbin said. “It’s a must to not only cover second, but also first base.’’ Mastrianni likes shortstop because “it’s the center of the action and you get to call many plays.’’ Libbin, who also plays varsity volleyball, and Mastrianni have another year of softball and when their careers end at Natick, they’ll be hard at work on the academic front in college. Libbin is leaning towards engineering at a large Division 1 school while Mastrianni hopes to major in business at a small school. Both players agree that their competitive philosophies focus on winning, improving and enjoying softball, and both concur that athletic venues are truly laboratories for learning life lessons. “You learn teamwork, how to set goals and how to overcome adversity,’’ they emphasized. “And, athletics enable you to create and build relationships.’’ Natick may be a long shot for the playoffs but with superb, high caliber captains like Libbin and Mastrianni, the Redhaw ++ks could be dominant on the diamond next year. Strong and capable leaders have a way of making things happen. FIREWOOD 508-380-8717 Full Cord, and Cord-and-a-Half loads, delivered to Metrowest towns. Gary Schofield book your graduation parties now. Father's Day give mom the day off and have us deliver dinner, we do the work you take the credit! Call Chef Andrea at: 508-298-9508
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Natick June 2016

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