Women's Tennis Team From Wayland Heads To Nationals

WAYLAND, MA—For many tennis players, advancing to the national is a once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment.

That came true for a women's tennis team from the Longfellow Fitness Club in Wayland, which won the New England championships this past weekend. The team now heads to the United States Tennis Association's League 40 & Over National Championships, which will take place in Las Vegas in October.

The team is one of six USTA New England League teams to head to nationals. Some 66 teams across six levels competed for a chance to represent New England.

Captain Maureen Sumner has become a regular at League Nationals, reports the USTA. In what will be her seventh career appearance representing New England, she will be looking to capture her second title or reach a final for the fourth time, said the announcement. She’s not the only one with playoff experience, as each player on her team out of Longfellow Club has competed at at least one Nationals.

“I think our experience will definitely help us. Being there in the past, we know the drill, and I know it will be another great experience,” Sumner said in a statement. “We enjoy all the prep work and build up and we do our homework on the other teams to make sure we get the best matchups.”

Sumner’s team advanced to Nationals by winning a four-team championship flight that ended on Sunday in Winchester. The squad finished 3-0 with wins against teams from Woburn Racquet Club, Racket and Fitness Center and Chelsea Piers. Sumner’s team compiled a 13-2 individual match record throughout the weekend.

Photos submitted to Patch via Longfellow Club