As disappointing as it was for the previously unbeaten Old Rochester Regional High School girls tennis team to see its 2025 season end in a narrow 3-2 defeat to Danvers in the MIAA Division 3 state tournament’s Round of 16, Coach Jim McGonigle believes that disappointment will soon be eclipsed by the many memories associated with the Bulldogs’ massive accomplishments.
“The kids really stepped up. They had a helluva year. Liz had a great year,” said McGonigle, referencing 2025 ORR graduate Liz Houdelette, one of three, senior tri-captains on the squad with Delaney Chase and Emily Wyman. “Liz was our unsung hero in many ways, starting with her transition from doubles to singles… she had big wins against Apponequet, Dartmouth and (King Philip).”
At second singles, Houdelette went 19-1, losing only in the state tournament as her final record mirrored that of her team. She earned South Coast Conference All-Star status.
Apponequet was the only regular-season opponent to take individual matches from the Bulldogs, who won both meetings, 4-1, cruised to an 18-0 regular-season finish and earned the fourth seed in the MIAA Division 3 state tournament bracket. All told, ORR won 88 of 90 individual matches. Anchored by SCC Most Valuable Player Neva Matos, ORR went through the SCC at 11-0 and won the league tournament.
ORR opened the postseason on June 1 with a 4-1 victory over 16-4 Auburn, but depth made the difference for 13th seeded Danvers (14-7) in the June 4 elimination match in Mattapoisett. Matos won in straight sets at first singles, but Danvers won on the second and third singles courts. The Bulldogs experienced the same fate in doubles, where Chase and Caroline Houdelette won on the first court, but Danvers was victorious on the second court.
Individually, Matos finished 20-0 for the year during team competition. The junior also made the final 32 in the USTA High School individuals’ tournament and won the SCC’s individual tournament. Wyman also returned to her 2024 role, going 17-2 at third singles. At first doubles, Chase combined with Liz Houdelette’s sister Caroline Houdelette for a 20-0 season that saw them drop only one set. After moving up from second doubles, the top tandem earned a spot on the SCC All-Star team.
Playing by committee on the second court, the Bulldogs posted a 17-3 mark, as senior Sienna Roveda, junior Ella Bishop and sophomores Grace Hebert and Zadie Goyette all contributed at second doubles.
“We have a real good group of sophomores,” said McGonigle, who was recruited as a late replacement for Kyle Noseworthy after a full-time tennis-related opportunity pulled the erstwhile coach to the south. The longtime basketball and tennis coach was happy to offer his experience and is eager to accompany the Bulldogs on the next chapter.
“The seniors had a great run, their three years included back-to-back undefeated seasons, making the elite eight twice,” he noted. “There were no issues at all on or off the court. I couldn’t have walked into a better situation.”
Three juniors could be at the core of next year’s team, as Matos presumably will be back to complete her stellar high school career at first singles. Caroline Houdelette will take on a greater role in her sister Liz’s absence, and junior Ella Bishop also has an opportunity to take on a tougher challenge.
ORR Girls Tennis
By Mick Colageo