By Ken Chaisson
Hometown Weekly Sports Reporter
After days of rain, the Walpole and Needham girls’ tennis teams finally faced off at Walpole High School on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
Walpole, led by head coach Jasmine Maduel, fought hard but fell to a strong Needham squad. Maduel, a former Long Island University (Brooklyn) player who grew up in Israel before playing high school tennis in Cooper City, Florida, has her team poised for growth despite the loss.
Last season, Walpole finished 5-13 but still reached the Division 2 tournament, thanks to a tough schedule in the Bay State Conference—one of the state’s strongest leagues, featuring perennial Division 1 contenders like Wellesley, Brookline, and Newton North.
Needham, a Division 1 power, entered the match 2-1 with wins over Weymouth and Brookline before narrowly losing 3-2 to defending champion Wellesley. The Rockets’ experience and depth proved challenging for Walpole, which has 19 players compared to Needham’s 23.
Captains Nijara Akkole (senior) and Eleni Margetis (junior) led the Timberwolves in a match format featuring three singles and two doubles contests, each played as best-of-three sets with players self-officiating.
Akkole battled fiercely at first singles, trading powerful groundstrokes in long rallies. Unnati Tandan grew stronger as her second-singles match progressed, adjusting well to her opponent’s tactics. Anna Baker showcased grit at third singles, while Walpole’s doubles teams—Margetis/Favor Nyende (first doubles) and Isabelle Healey/Ruby Abbott (second doubles)—competed hard despite the results.
Though the final score favored Needham, Walpole displayed resilience, sportsmanship, and unity. Each point served as a learning opportunity, building character for the season ahead.
The Timberwolves may not have secured a win, but their effort and teamwork against a top opponent could fuel their growth. As tournament season approaches, that same determination might just push them over the top.
