Tennis Player Wraps up Second Undefeated Regular Season

Milton High tennis player, Ariana Launie, is cruising through another high school regular season, having lost no matches coming into today's season finale at Curry College against Dedham.

The junior right-hander has lost just two matches in regular season play, both of which came last year. With a record of 15-2, her sophomore campaign was a successful one as she appeared in the MIAA South Regional finals after knocking off Brookline's Marie Fleming.

Fleming and Launie have forged a balanced and competitive rivalry. Last year, Launie lost their regular season match up and won their regional tilt. This year the roles were reversed. Fleming, a sophomore, beat Launie at the recent tournament in Old Rochester after losing at Kelly Field on April 15.

Launie enjoys the rivalry. "It gives you something to look forward to and some competition," said Launie.

After today's match, Launie will have one more shot at competition as a junior. The team, which is 10-7, is poised to make the team tournament. Seeding for the tournament will be available June 2, with matches beginning June 4.

The game has been a life-long endeavor for the 17 year old, who picked up a racquet age six. "My parents put me out there for every sport and I really liked tennis," said the only child. She entered and won her first tournament at age 12 and the rest is history.

Launie, who has also had success in USTA tournaments, plans to continue her tennis career once she leaves Milton. She hopes to play for a Division I college in New England.

In college, Launie plans to pursue a teaching career, a profession she's already got some practice at by teaching tennis. For the last four years, Launie has worked for the town's park and recreation department giving lessons. This summer she'll be teaching at Cunningham Park.