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Mercury Girls Tennis Roundup: Owen J. Roberts duo wins PAC Doubles

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PAC Doubles >> The Owen J. Roberts duo of Elaina Lee and Jacey Caplan came away champions of the Pioneer Athletic Conference Doubles Tournament after being extended to three sets at Kinetix Sports Club Saturday.

Lee and Caplan, the Wildcats top pairing and the tourney’s third seed, played Methacton’s top seeds Dina Nouaime and Tina Prince all even after two sets, 6-2, 4-6. In the deciding third set, Lee and Caplan won out 6-4.

The third-place match saw Spring-Ford’s Tori Alexander and Kathryn Alvarez dominate the Warriors’ Anna Ryu and Angie Kuang 6-1, 6-0. Playing for fifth place, Phoenixville’s Gina Brown and Meghan O’Neill topped Spring-Ford’s Emma Griffin and Lucy Olsen 6-2, 6-4.

 


Singles set the pace as Episcopal Academy crowned Inter-Ac champ

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Ashley Kennedy and Ella Walker were the first of six victories as Episcopal Academy tallied 47 points to take home the Inter-Ac Tournament girls tennis championship.

Kennedy won the No. 1 singles match, 8-5, while Walker took home the No. 2 singles, 8-3. Bella Calastri finished off a perfect a sweep in singles play by winning at No. 3, 8-0.

It was much of the same in doubles play with three victories including Grace Hennigan and Caroline Burt’s 8-4 win in No. 2 doubles.

In nonleague action:

Academy Park 4, Pottstown 1 >> Camille Erskine and Taylor Smith won the No. 2 and No. 3 singles in straight sets, respectively, for the Knights (8-7).

The tandem of Akima Roger and Briyae Jackson claimed the first doubles match, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.

Main Line wrap-up: Harriton, Mercy Mercy duos capture league doubles tennis titles

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The Harriton duo of the Rams’ top two singles players, Sophia Sassoli and Saige Roshkoff, captured the Central League Doubles championship Oct. 13, defeating Radnor’s Kanon Ciarrocchi and Lucy Hederick in the finals, 6-0, 6-2. The third-place match was won by the Conestoga duo of Priya Aravindhan and Olivia Dodge, who defeated the Pioneers’ pair of Ananya Krishnan and Leena Kwak, 5-7, 6-2, 6-3. Fifth place went to the Radnor duo of Annie Burton and Bridget Dougherty.

Merion Mercy’s Chloe Abramowiz (left) and Nina Dzidic (right) captured the AACA doubles championship.

The Merion Mercy Academy duo of Chloe Abramowiz and Nina Dzidic captured first place in the AACA Doubles Tournament, winning the championship finals against Gwynedd Mercy’s Kelsey VanThuyne and Bella Kellner in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4. By finishing in first place, the MMA pair advanced as representatives of the AACA in the PIAA District 1 AA tournament.
Episcopal Academy captured the Inter-Ac Girls’ Tennis Tournament championship Tuesday, picking up 47 points, well ahead of second-place Baldwin School (24.5). EA’s Ashley Kennedy won the first singles finals, defeating Penn Charter’s Brinlae LaBarge 8-5, and EA’s Ella Walker finished first at second singles. In the consolation match at first singles, Baldwin’s Torrie Smith defeated McKenna Bramledge of Academy of Notre Dame.
In other Main Line high school sports action (the high school wrap-up is compiled from game results sent to Main Line Times & Suburban and our sister newspapers):

Field hockey
Academy of Notre Dame (13-0-1, 5-0) defeated Agnes Irwin, 3-0, Oct. 12. Mia Leonhardt scored two goals, and Jess Schneider tallied once (unassisted). Lindsey Barnes and Lauren Curran dished out assists.
Agnes Irwin (6-6) defeated Our Lady of Good Counsel, 4-0, Oct. 13. Emma van der Veen scored a hat trick, and Marissa White tallied one goal. Heidi Gresh had an assist, and Paige DiLulo and Aren Dardarian teamed up for four saves.
Archbishop Carroll (12-4, 7-0) defeated Archbishop Ryan, 9-1, Monday. Alex Almonte and Maeve Riehman each scored twice for the Patriots. Keri Daly dished out two assists.
Two days earlier, the Patriots lost to Radnor, 3-2. Maeve Riehman and Carleigh Connors scored for Carroll, and Riehman and Carly Bateman dished out assists. Mary Kate Kearney had six saves for the Patriots.
Conestoga (14-3, 10-0) clinched its sixth straight undefeated Central League championship Tuesday, defeating Springfield 10-0 on Senior Night. Charlotte de Vries led the way with seven goals and two assists, Chloe Ziegler netted two goals and dished out one assist, and Maddy Todd earned the shutout in goal for Conestoga. Other contributors were Carson Snyder (one goal), Carly Hynd (one assist) and Sarah Rogalski (one assist).
Episcopal Academy (8-2-2, 4-2-1) defeated Penn Charter, 10-1, Tuesday. Maddie Rehak had a hat trick, and single goals were scored by Gianna Pantaleo, Scottie Crockett, Macy Szukics, Grace Szafara, Kelly Smith, Jessica Miller and Jackie Miller. Szukics and Kathleen Anderson each made two assists. EA goalie Gianna Cillufo recorded four saves.
EA lost to Germantown Academy, 3-1, Oct. 12. Maddie Rehak scored for EA, and goalie Caroline Kelly had 22 saves.
Friends’ Central lost to Shipley, 3-0, Tuesday. Phoenix goalie Nora Wadsworth recorded 13 saves.
Radnor (14-3, 9-2) won its 14th straight game Tuesday, defeating Upper Darby 6-0 on Senior Night. Brigid Lowry had two goals and one assist; goals also were scored by Alicia Vitale, Barbara Civitella, Genevieve Mehra and Page Lowry. Tyler Dornan was a standout at midfield, and key defenders were Hope Delaney, Olivia Decain and Meredith Webb.
The Raiders defeated Bonner-Prendie, 6-1, Monday. Page Lowry had the first three goals to put Radnor up 3-1, then Janie Hoysgaard, Olivia Shea and Brigid Lowry each added a goal. Strong defense came from Hope Delaney, Olivia Decain and Meredith Webb.
Three days earlier, the Raiders defeated Archbishop Carroll, 3-2, Oct. 13. Page Lowry scored two goals, and Barbara Civitella tallied one goal. Key defenders were Hope Delaney, Olivia Decain, Madison Milhous and Brigid Lowry.
Radnor came back from an 0-2 deficit in the first 10 minutes against Garnet Valley to win, 3-2, Oct. 12. Olivia Shea, Brigid Lowry and Page Lowry scored the Radnor goals, with Page Lowry’s game-winner coming with 10 minutes left in the game. Key defenders were Madison Mulhouse, Hope Delaney and Olivia Decain.
Shipley defeated Friends’ Central, 3-0, Tuesday. Before the game, both teams honored Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Goals were scored by Chloe Sobel, Kate Scutt and Kirsten Zuccarini, with assists from Emma Durham and Yemi Hart Charmichael.

Boys’ soccer
Barrack Hebrew Academy defeated Kohlelet, 1-0, in two overtimes Oct. 14. Moriel Ben Abou scored the game-winner, with an assist from Noah Stein. Barrack goalie Ilan Gordon had six saves.
Episcopal Academy (13-0-1, 5-0) defeated Haverford School, 2-1, Tuesday. Sam Wilson scored on either side of halftime, the first assisted by Harrison Malone, and Trevor Manion made seven saves. Griffin Wada scored on a penalty kick for Haverford, and Will Boyes made five stops for the Fords.
The Churchmen defeated Springside Chestnut Hill, 1-0, Oct. 12. Harrison Malone scored unassisted on a free kick, and EA goalie Trevor Manion recorded seven saves.
Malvern Prep defeated Penn Charter, 3-1, Oct. 12, getting goals from Matt Lamond, Tucker Milhous and Matt Traynor. Austin Coron had five saves, one of which was on a penalty kick.
Shipley lost to Germantown Friends, 1-0, in overtime Oct. 12. Gator goalie Dean Manor had seven saves, including a couple of game-savers prior to the winning goal.

Girls’ soccer
Conestoga (14-1-2, 10-0-1) defeated Springfield, 5-0, Tuesday on Senior Night to retain its Central League Championship title. Calista Courtney led the way for Conestoga with two goals, while Emily Wertz tallied after cutting in the from the wing to beat the keeper from just inside the 18, and also contributed an assist on Courtney’s second goal. Caitlin Donovan scored on a solo free-kick from the top of the 18 yard box for her 22nd goal of the season, and Abby Branov converted a penalty to cement the win. Sarah Nselel and Caroline Klaiber saw action in goal for Conestoga. The Pioneers have lost just one league game in the last three years.
Episcopal Academy lost to Penn Charter, 2-1, Tuesday, getting a goal from Maddie Loughead on a penalty kcik and two saves from Allie Bush.
The Churchwomen defeated Germantown Academy, 3-1, Oct. 12, getting goals from Devon Whitaker, Hailee Moran and Anna Salvucci. Assists were dished out by Salvucci, Laila Payton and Ali McHugh.
Friends’ Central improved its Friends Schools League record to 5-1 with a 7-1 win against Friends Select Tuesday. Goals were scored by Julia Burd. Juliana Aiken, Izzy MacFarlane (two), Sydney Stewart, Jordyn Paszamant and Jai Smith (first career goal). Emma Staton recorded three saves in goal.
The Phoenix defeated Germantown Friends, 2-1, in two overtimes Oct. 12. Izzy MacFarlane tied the score with two minutes left in regulation, then scored the game-winner in overtime.
Shipley defeated Abington Friends, 7-0, Oct. 12, getting four goals from Liv Hamilton. Shipley also had goals from Susanna Ulrich, Kahlia Bailey and Georgia Paynter. Gator goalie Abby Aughe had three saves and recorded the shutout.

Girls’ tennis
Baldwin School remained unbeaten in the Inter-Ac with a 7-0 win against Germantown Academy Oct. 12. Torrie Smith, Izzy Anatanavicious and Presley Daggett all won their singles matches in straight sets. The doubles teams of Alexis Shatzman and Alexa Diecidue, Teagan Krane and Hana Ahanger, Grace Lavin and Devon Shatzman and Berlyn Squillaro and Abby Dubinsky all won in straight sets.
Barrack Hebrew Academy edged Villa Victoria, 3-2, Tuesday. Cougar winners were Dori Hoffman (second singles), Ellie Sherwood (third singles) and the second doubles duo of Anita Hoffman and Sophie Levin.
The Cougars defeated Kohelet, 5-0, Oct. 14. Singles winners were Hannah Parish (first singles), Dori Hoffman-Filler (second) and Ellie Sherwood (third).
Episcopal Academy remained undefeated in the Inter-Ac after winning a key match against Penn Charter, 5-2, Oct. 10, sweeping all of the doubles matches in straight sets with Cara Harty/Eliza Aldridge (first doubles), Grace Hennigan/Natalie Johnston (second), Parisa Afsharian/Maddy Mitchell (third) and Mackenzie Lee/Madison Hansenns (fourth). EA’s Ella Walker also won at second singles in straight sets.
Friends’ Central lost to Shipley, 3-2, Tuesday, with Phoenix wins from third singles (Anna Volpp) and second doubles (Thea Volpp and Victoria Rosa).
Shipley edged Friends’ Central, 3-2, Tuesday, clinching a spot in the FSL playoffs. Tori Allen at first singles and Phoebe Fry at second singles won at straight sets for the Gators, and at first doubles, Audrey Fink and Isabella Scardapane came back after losing the first set and won the next two sets, clinching victory for the Gators.

Girls’ volleyball
Academy of Notre Dame (12-2; 6-0) defeated host Germantown Academy, 3-0, Tuesday, posting scores of 25-19; 25-15; 25-18. Gracie Guerin and Riley Shaak combined for 19 kills with a .500 kill percentage while Sara McDougall, Emma Jardine and Christine Covella dished out 33 assists.
The Irish had their 11-match win streak snapped Oct. 13 at unbeaten Padua Academy, last year’s Delaware state finalist, by a score of 3-0 (25-21; 25-18; 25-21). Maddie Donaphon dug 23 attacks for the Irish while Riley Shaak and Lexi Shreiner provided the offensive fire power with a combined 33 kills.
One day earlier, the Irish defeated Springside Chestnut Hill, 3-0, on Senior Day. Lexi Shreiner and Sam McGarvey combined for nine aces and 12 kills while Emma Jardine dished out 15 assists.
Baldwin School defeated Chestnut Hill Academy, 3-0, Tuesday, posting scores of 25-15, 25-14, 25-15. The Polar Bears were led by Cartier Thomas (28 assists, two aces, four kills), Georgia Dahm (five aces, six kills), Anajah Brown (six kills, four blocks), Laura Pellicano (seven kills, three digs) and Makayla Pratt (seven kills, one block).
The Polar Bears defeated Agnes Irwin, 3-1, Oct. 13, posting scores of 25-12, 17-25, 24-26, 19-25. The Polar Bears were led by Cartier Thomas (three aces, 27 assists), Anajah Brown (nine kills, seven blocks), Georgia Dahm (10 kills, four blocks), Makayla Pratt (six kills, three blocks), Laura Pellicano (five aces, four kills, six digs), Elise Kait (four kills, six digs) and Taylor Trapp (13 digs).

Cross-country

The Friends’ Central girls’ cross-country team captured their fourth consecutive FSL championship.

Friends’ Central (girls) finished first at the Friends’ Schools League Championships Tuesday for their fourth consecutive league title. The Phoenix, who edged Germantown Friends by one point, were led by Rebecca Wusinich, who finished first with a personal record time of 18:32.58, and Micah Trusty, who finished second in a personal record time of 18:49.48. Rounding out the top five were Lydia Russell (fourth – 19:25), Natalie Neuhaus (10th – 22:03.47) and Kristen Johnson (16th – 22:49.28). Morgan Cook-Sather ran a 24:32.16 to finish 24th and Breanna Peterson ran 26:01 to finish 27th.
On the boys side, Friends’ Central was led by Ethan Cohen, who PR’d to finish 19th overall with a time of 18:24.69 and Nathan Levitties, who finished 20th in a time of 18:26.52. Thomas Foley finished 24th in 18:39.99
Haverford High (boys) finished first at the Central League Championships Oct. 13. Delco champ Mike Donnelly finished third overall to lead the Fords with a time of 16:40.9. Teammates Evan Peetros placed fifth, Brendan Campbell was 10th, Josh Fingerhut 12th and Aiden Tomov 14th.
Lower Merion runner Joey Litvin of Lower Merion was the overall individual winner at the Central League Boys Championships, with a time of 16:34.0. In the girls’ race, Lower Merion’s Sarah Hurst took fourth place
Radnor (boys) placed three runners amongst the top 20 finishers at the Central League Championships Oct. 13. Ethan Zeh placed fourth, Doug Rosin was 11th, and Frank Brown finished 16th. The team ended up fourth in the standings. Leni Hartman was the top finisher for the Radnor girls, placing 43rd.

Water polo
Episcopal Academy (girls) defeated Friends’ Central, 12-1, Tuesday, led by senior Eleanor Campbell. The EA girls also defeated host Hill School, 11-10, Oct. 13 in a five-period overtime. EA standouts were Abby Bonner, Astrid Faustmann and Katie Brian.
Haverford School (18-2, 4-0) defeated Episcopal Academy, 15-11, Tuesday. Ford leaders included goalie Nick Biddle (seven saves, two steals), Bram Schork (three goals, four steals, two drawn ejections, one block), David Gobora (six goals, five steals, one drawn ejection, one block), Ryan LaRocca (three goals, five assists, one steal, two drawn ejections), Jake LaRocca (three assists, two drawn ejections) and Matej Sekulic (two goals, two steals, two drawn ejections).
Malvern Prep (5-9-1) defeated Penn Charter, 17-12, Oct. 12. Malvern’s Jack Cassidy led all scorers with eight goals and three ejections drawn. Ryan Cochran had three goals and two assists, Brennan Robinson had a pair of goals and five assists, while Gavin Kane, Owen Preston, Erik Yablonski and Chris Krein each scored a goal to round out Malvern’s scoring attack. Jake Caulfield was solid in goal, making 13 saves, two steals and two assists.

Crew
Haverford School rowers had some fine performances at the Navy Day Regatta Oct. 13. In the Men’s High School/Junior Single. Haverford’s Aidan Leavy placed fourth, and in the Men’s High School/Junior Double, Haverford’s boat with Thomas Russell and Jeff Pendergast finished fourth. Leavy and Haverford’s Nelson Liu were part of a crew that finished fifth out of 31 entries at the Men’s Open/Collegiate Four – the crew included Radnor’s Zach Taylor and Harriton’s Niels Terwiesch as well.
Shipley competed in the Navy Day Regatta in Philadelphia Oct. 13, and the Gators’ Varsity Girls’ Quad, comprised of Jordan Winter, Lucia Helmers, Talia Chairman and Casey Winter took third overall, only finishing behind two composite club teams. They were also only 13 seconds out of first place. The Boys’ Lightweight Four, comprised of Ben MacDonald, Mike Hamilton, Zach Abood-Bieber, Matt Sherman and coxswain Ailbhe Birkett had to compete in the open weight category. They still managed an impressive result of 11th out of 44 boats.

Mercury Girls Tennis Roundup: Hill School topped by Germantown Academy

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Germantown Ac. 6, Hill School 1 >> Elena Zhang accounted for the Blues’ lone point in their non-league loss to the Patriots Wednesday.

Zhang got the Hill off to a good start by winning her first-singles duel with GA’s Emma Menkowitz 6-2, 6-0. But the Pats ran the table the rest of the way, though extended by the Blues to three sets twice and a tiebreaker one other time.

Smith, Erskine lead the way for Academy Park

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Academy Park seniors Taylor Smith and Camille Erskine set the tone as the Knights put the finishing touches on yet another Del Val team title, their sixth consecutive, by beating Chichester, 5-0.

Erskine, the individual league champ, scored a 2-6, 6-0, 6-3 win over Deseree Naugle in a close match, with Smith dispatching Haley Malloy, 6-1, 6-0. Academy Park closes the year 6-0 in the league and 9-7 overall, a quality turnaround from a 1-5 start.

In the Inter-Ac League:

Episcopal Academy 4, Baldwin 3 >> A day after winning the league tournament championship, the Churchwomen used their doubles prowess to secure the rain-delayed regular-season crown.

Ashley Kennedy was the only singles player to capture a victory, triumphing over Torrie Smith, 6-1, 6-4, at first singles.

It fell to doubles to seal the deal. Cara Harty and Eliza Aldridge survived a tiebreaker in the first set to take first doubles. Grace Hennigan and Caroline Burt prevailed 6-1, 6-2 at second doubles. And Mackenzie Lee and Natalie Johnston notched the decisive point at third doubles, outdueling Berlyn Squillaro and Abby Dubinski, 7-5, 6-4, to solidify a 13-0 record, including 6-0 in the league.

In the Tri-County Independent League:

Barrack Hebrew 4, Kimberton Waldorf 1 >> Ellie Sherwood made quick work of Lillie Lin Ziyue, 6-0, to help the Cougars ease past Kimberton Waldorf. Maya Hurtig also earned a victory in singles play, defeating Anulisse Tarlow, 6-4.

Harriton nets District 1 AAA team tennis title

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WHITEMARSH >> A few minutes after Harriton’s 5-0 victory in the PIAA District 1 Class AAA team finals Thursday, Ram head coach Kathi Rees reflected on her talented team’s strong bonds.

“The great thing about this team is that it’s been together for at least three years, the partnerships are there, and some of these girls have been playing tennis since they have been 4 or 5 years old,” said Rees. “They’re a great group of girls, on and off the court, they work hard and they’re going to do great [the rest of] this season.”

Harriton (16-0) was considered a pre-season favorite to reach the PIAA Class AAA state final again, and Rees says the Rams have handled the lofty pre-season expectations very well this season.

“They all play in tournaments [outside Harriton], and they all play a lot of tennis, so [every PIAA match] is just like another match to them,” said Rees. “They’re very focused on each match, and they’ve handled the pressure really well.”

Thursday afternoon at Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School, the top seeded Rams swept talented No. 2 seed Conestoga (14-2) in the championship finals. Four of the matches were won in straight sets.

At first singles, senior Sophia Sassoli defeated talented senior Cassidy Landau (12-3), 6-0, 6-0.

“It was super windy out here today, so I tried to be really solid, because Cassidy is a really consistent player,” said Sassoli, who has committed to Georgia Tech. “I made a lot of first serves, and I tried to come in a lot, and not let the ball get too high so the wind couldn’t take control of it.”

Five days earlier, Sassoli teamed with sophomore Saige Roshkoff, the Rams’ No. 2 singles player, to capture the Central League doubles championship.

“Saige and I had a lot of fun that day, we were setting each other up well,” said Sassoli.

Roshkoff said, “We were trying to be aggressive at the net.”

Thursday, Roshkoff won by a 6-2, 6-1 count at second singles against Priya Aravindhan (7-2).

“It was tough today because of the wind, but I tried to stay patient and use the wind to my advantage,” said Roshkoff.

At third singles, senior Nina Hoog prevailed in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1, against freshman Ananya Krishman (10-2). Hoog’s victory clinched the District 1 title for the Rams; interestingly, she also had the clinching victory that earned Harriton the Central League title earlier this season.

“It’s great to win [the clinching match],” said a smiling Hoog, who has committed to Case Western. “Knowing we already had two wins today, and that mine could be the third, it does put a bit of pressure [on me], but it feels really good to know that once you’ve won your match, the whole round is over.

“The windy conditions today were a bit hard to get used to. A lot of balls that I’m sure both of us [Hoog and Krishnan] usually don’t miss indoors were missed. The wind pushes some balls out [of bounds], and then some other balls that you expect to go out curve back in. It takes some getting used to, but once you figure out how to cooperate with [the wind], it gets a lot easier.”

Hoog and her Harriton teammates are looking forward to going back to States.

“I remember the support from everyone last year [at States], everyone gets so loud,” said Hoog. “A lot of people who aren’t directly involved with the team, like parents, previous [Harriton] players, they come out to see us play, and that’s one of my favorite things about States.”

Conestoga, as one of the top four finishers in District 1 AAA, also will be headed to States, as they did last year.

Landau said, “I’m excited to be going back to [team] States again. It’s a lot of fun staying in the hotel with the team, all that team bonding, we usually go out to dinner, and to Chocolate World, and there’s the tennis too [laughs].”

In the first doubles match Thursday, the Conestoga duo of Olivia Dodge and Leena Kwak (12-1) extended the match against Harriton’s Connie Richards and Mackenzie Sherman to three sets before the Ram pair won, 6-3, 2-6, 10-4.

At second doubles, Harriton seniors Lauren Binnion and Roshni Parikh defeated Conestoga’s Kate Wieser and Sophia Mazza (12-3) in straight sets, 6-2, 7-5.

Like Harriton, Conestoga will be headed to States, with a first-round matchup scheduled for Tuesday.

“One thing that I’ve emphasized this season is that we’re all family and that we’re all one unit,” said Conestoga head coach Brittany Aimone. “Our girls really implemented that this season, and it’s awesome to see these girls so together and being there for one another. I think that’s what led to their success this season.

“Cassidy at first singles has been super solid for us this season; she’s like a backboard, hitting everything back; Ananya, a freshman, has really been solid at third singles. And we’ve had some other freshmen that have stepped in this season, like Leena Kwak at first doubles and Felicia Manful at third doubles. These young players have set the tone for what it’s going to be like for us next season.”

Aimone paid tribute to former Pioneer coach Fran Tomaselli, who coached the squad for several decades before stepping down at the end of last season.

“Fran left a dynasty that I stepped into, and I think she set it up very well for me,” said Aimone. “We’ve implemented a lot of what she’s done in the past. Fran’s been out to a lot of our matches, and she’s supporting us still.”

Harriton 5, Conestoga 0

Singles: 1. Sassoli (H) defeated Landau (C), 6-0, 6-0; 2. Roshkoff (H) defeated Aravindhan (C), 6-2, 6-1; 3. Hoog (H) def. Krishnan (C), 6-3, 6-1.

Doubles: 1. Richards-Sherman (H) def. Dodge-Kwak (C), 6-3, 2-6, 10-4; 2. Binnion-Parikh (H) defeated Wieser-Mazza (C), 6-2, 7-5.

Mercury Girls Tennis Roundup: Spring-Ford, Methacton duos advance in doubles

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Spring-Ford’s Tori Alexander and Kathryn Alvarez were dominant in their first two matches Friday at the District 1 Class AAA Girls Tennis Doubles Tournament to qualify for the quarterfinals.

Alexander and Alvarez won 6-1, 6-2 in their opener against Unionville, then downed Council Rock North’s Andrea Martinez and Angie Hachoose, 6-0, 6-1, in the second round.

Methacton’s Dina Nouaime and Tina Prince also reached the round of eight, overcoming a slow start. Nouaime and Prince won their first rounder 0-6, 7-5, 6-1, then rolled in the second round against Lower Merion’s Cecilia Angert-Denis and Jenna Mancuso, 6-1, 6-0.

Owen J. Roberts’ Elaina Lee and Jacey Caplan were victorious in their opener, 6-3, 6-0 over Great Valley’s Kate Corrigan and Brooke Oberly but lost in two tight sets, 7-5, 7-6 (5) to Upper Dublin’s Ksenija and Belinda Jin of Upper Dublin. The UD duo ousted Methacton’s Anna Ryu and Angie Kuang in the first round. Phoenixville’s Gina Brown and Meghan O’Neill also exited in the first round.

In Class 2A, Pottstown’s Sierra Everett and Abby Parsons fell in the first round to Sacred Heart’s Natasha Szipszky and Caroline Lewers, 6-3, 6-1.

The Spring-Ford duo will face top seed Sophia Sassoli and Saige Roshkoff of Harriton Saturday morning while the Methacton pair meets No. 3 Priya Aravindhan and Olivia Dodge of Conestoga.

 

Radnor’s Ciarrocchi and Hederick book states doubles berth

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Kanon Ciarrocchi and Lucy Hederick booked their tickets to the PIAA Class 3A tournament Saturday, losing in the semifinals of the District 1 doubles tournament.

Ciarrocchi and Hederick, the No. 2 seed, outlasted the seventh seed, Hannah Baxter and Jessica Liu of West Chester Henderson, in three sets, 6-3, 3-6, 6-0, in the quarterfinals to earn one of the five states spots on offer. They fell in the semifinals to sixth-seeded Dina Nouiame and Tina Prince of Methacton, 7-5, 6-4.

The Methacton duo will take on stop-seeded Sophie Sassoli and Saige Roshkoff of Harriton in the final Wednesday.

Ciarrocchi/Hederick will play for third place Wednesday against Holly and Sophie Koons of Downingtown West.


Episcopal Academy’s Ella Walker is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week

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The EA junior, who is undefeated this season and won the second flight of the recent Inter-Ac Girls’ Tennis Tournament, hasn’t dropped a set this fall while being a key member of the Inter-Ac champion EA girls’ tennis squad. “Ella has an all-court game – she is just as comfortable at the net as she is on the baseline,” said EA head coach Whit Powell. “Her biggest attribute is that she sees the court in three dimensions. This makes it very difficult to play b/c she can adjust her shot selection based on her opponent. Mentally, she is always calm, shows very little emotion and is calculated in her approach in breaking down her opponent.” Walker is new to EA this fall – this year is the first time she has attended school in the United States. She has lived in England (two years), Thailand (six years), Vietnam (four years) and Canada (four years).

Q: Can you tell us what attracted you to EA, and tell us a little about the story of your journey here?

A: Being new to this area I was attracted to EA due to its reputation for athletic and academic excellence. Having moved every four years across three different continents I appreciate the community EA has built in supporting their students and athletes, this stability has helped me on and off court. 

Q: What was your sharpest memory of the Inter-Ac Tournament?

A: A point that stood out was the match point of my semi-final game when I put away an overhead to finish a long rally. My most fond memory of the Inter-Ac tournament would be supporting my team after each match and celebrating our victory in the end.

Q: Tell us a little about your pre-match preparation the day of a match. 

A: Before matches I have a consistent dietary and hydration plan and start my physical warm up an hour before going on court. If time allows I try to hit and play points before going on for my match to get in a more competitive mind set. 

Q: What do you think has been your best match of the season, and what was working particularly well for you that day?

A: My most memorable match was during pre-season against Conestoga because I was presented with a personal challenge. 6-0, 1-0 into the match a blood vessel burst in my hand which was extremely painful, and I had to play through and managed to finish off the second set 6-3.

Q: Who are your favorite tennis players? Do you try to pattern your game after any of them?

A: There are a lot of players I look up to for various reasons. Probably my most unexpected influence right now is Pete Sampras’s style of serving, particularly his load on his back leg. I am constantly inspired by players on tour and challenge myself to learn from them.

Q: What do you think is the strongest part of your game? What part of your game are you currently working on the most?

A: I consider my weapons my serve and forehand since I gain more free points off of these, however, I am an all court player and constantly work to transition into the court. I am always working on my movement into the court and taking time away from my opponent as well as variation throughout points.

Q: Who have been your top tennis mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from them?

A: My top tennis mentor has been Patricia Hy-Boulais, a former professional player who I was able to work with for three years while living in Canada. Patricia not only developed my technical game but played a large role in helping my competitive and tactical abilities. Patricia taught me to value discipline, focus, and hard work. These are lessons I have been able to apply to all aspects of my life.

Q: What is your favorite tennis venue, and why?

A: My favorite tennis venue where I’ve played, is the Rogers Center in Canada because my favorite surface is hard outdoors and it is where they host the Rogers Cup. In terms of locations where I have not played, Wimbledon is my favorite Grand Slam venue. I am half English, so this venue is also tied to many summer memories with friends and family.

Q: What is your favorite academic subject at Episcopal Academy? What do you think you might like to major in at college? Is there a career path that particularly appeals to you at the present time?

A: My favorite academic subject at Episcopal Academy is Theology because I am interested in the natural sciences. I would like to major in Psychology, in particular I would like to go into Sports Psychology as a career. 

Fun facts – Ella Walker

Favorite book: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, by Angela Duckworth.

Favorite TV show: Friends.

Favorite athlete: Billie Jean King.

Favorite place to visit: Vietnam (“I lived there for four years.”)

Person I most admire: “Lilia Osterloh, another tennis mentor of mine who played on the tour and is in the Stanford Hall of Fame. Lilia has been a huge support throughout my tennis career.”

Family members: parents Matthew and Jill, sister Dakota.

(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)

EA edges Baldwin for Inter-Ac girls’ tennis title

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Newtown Square >> In a match that featured more plot lines than an Academy Award winning movie, the girls’ tennis teams from Episcopal Academy and Baldwin School decided to add one more Oct. 17.
With daylight fading into darkness at Episcopal Academy, and the match tied at 3-3 the match between EA’s Mackenzie Lee and Natalie Johnston and Baldwin’s Berlyn Squillaro and Abby Dubinskyat No. 4 doubles provided their own edge-of-the-seat excitement that included some clutch shot making by all four players.
In the end, it was Episcopal senior Mackenzie Lee finding the open spot on a half-volley for the final point of a 6-4, 7-5 straight set win in a match that lasted nearly two hours to clinch the 4-3 victory and the Inter-Ac title.
“It means so much we (me and Natalie) were able to clinch the match for our team,” said Lee. “I knew the circumstances and knew staying calm was key. It was just another point and knew calmness was important.”
Johnston, a junior, added, “Winning the Inter-Ac meant so much. I had no idea we had won the match as a team until it was over. That definitely helped me stay calm.”
The two teams were supposed to go to head-to-head back on Sept. 25; however, Mother Nature intervened, forcing the postponement of the match thus setting the stage for a winner-take-all match.
The Bears and Churchwomen took care of business by going undefeated in league play with identical 5-0 records setting up a showdown on Oct. 15, which was once again postponed due to weather and re-scheduled for Oct. 17.
All season long EA coach Whitaker Powell has preached ‘Overcoming adversity defines character’ and that was the persona his team took to heart. With No. 2 singles player Ella Walker having to miss the match due to illness, Powell was forced to juggle his line-up at the last minute. As they have done all season, the Chuchwomen bonded together to defeat a game Baldwin squad.
“I am so proud of the effort this team has shown all season,” said Powell. “This is a special group who worked hard all season and supported each other. This championship was truly a team effort.”
Members of the championship team include Ashley Kennedy, who plays No. 1 singles; Bella Calestri, who normally plays No. 3 singles; Cara Harty and Eliza Aldridge, who play No. 1 doubles; Grace Hennigan and Caroline Burt, who play No. 2 doubles and Maddy Mitchell and Parisa Afsharian, who play No.3 doubles.
EA (14-0, 6-0) capped off a perfect season with a convincing 6-1 win over New Jersey perennial power Haddonfield Monday, getting straight set wins from all three singles (Ashley Kennedy, Ella Walker and Bella Calastri) as well as second, third and fourth doubles.
Baldwin (8-2, 5-1) has nothing to hang their heads with a strong second place Inter-Ac finish that included a second-place finish at the Inter-Ac team championships on Oct. 16.
“Before the match, I told our players in order to be a great team, we have to beat a great team,” said Baldwin coach Jeff Sacks. “We came close. We’ve already started to think about the rematch next year.”

Mercury Girls Tennis Roundup: Perkiomen School dominates Tri-County Tournament

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Tri-County League >> Perkiomen School dominated the Tri-County League championships, picking up first-place finishers in all four brackets.

Julia Kelly swept won first singles bracket, while Kate Galant ran through the second singles bracket. The pairing of Sherry Zhang/Maki Ashizawa ran through the first doubles bracket while Kristine Rivera/Lynn Liu won the second doubles bracket.

Kelly posted a 6-0, 6-1 decsion over Woodlynde’s Sophia Walsh in the first singles semifinal before closing it out with a 6-1, 6-1 decision over Hannah Parish. Galant won a 6-0, 6-0 decision over Woodlynde’s Arianna Anyans in the semifinal before topping Barrack Henrew’s Ellie Sharwood 6-0, 6-2.

Zhang/Ashizawa posted a 6-2, 6-2 win over Barrack’s Gabi Grob and Daniela Barow in the first doubles final. Rivera/Liu opened with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Kimberton-Waldorf’s AnnaLise Tarlow/Maeve Clee before a 7-5, 6-3 win over Barrack’s Anita Hoffman/Sophie Levine.

 

Mercury Girls Tennis Roundup: Methacton duo second at districts

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District 1 >> Methacton’s Dina Nouaime and Tina Prince were shut out of their bid to win the District’s Class AAA championship by Harriton’s Sophia Sassoli and Saige Roshkoff during the Doubles Tournament’s final Wednesday at Legacy.

Sassoli/Roshkoff swept their duel with Nouaime/Prince 6-0, 6-0. Nouaime and Prince, however, will be part of the district’s contingent competing in the PIAA tournament being held in Hershey Nov. 2-3, the top four singles and doubles finishers qualifying.

Nouaime/Prince, the district’s sixth seed, won four previous matches to qualify for the championship. Following a three-set win over first-round opponent Jenny Landells/Julia Fridenberg of Wissahickon, they took their next three in two-set verdicts.

Germantown Friends 4, Hill School 1 >> Elenz Zhang got the Blues’ lone point in their non-league loss to Germantown Friends.

Zhang was a 6-1, 6-1 winner at first singles for the Hill.

 

North Penn’s Velaga claims District 1-3A singles title

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PHILADELPHIA >> Council Rock North coach Linda Morrin could tell Amelia Honer wasn’t at 100 percent when she walked the stairs to the court.

“I made her look at me, and I said, ‘Amelia, you’re in states. If you feel like you’re doing more damage, then you have to retire,’” Morrin said. “She said to me, ‘I’m fine. I’ll play through this. I’m not a quitter.’ But she just couldn’t go. You could see it on her face. She couldn’t move.”

North Penn’s Neha Velaga won Wednesday’s District 1 Class AAA singles final at the Legacy Youth Tennis and Education Center after Honer had to retire with Velaga leading, 4-1, in the first set due to a left hamstring injury.

Both players advance to PIAA singles tournament, which begins on Nov. 2 at the Hershey Racquet Club. Velaga plays District 7’s third-place finisher Mia Gorman of Bethel Park, while Honer faces the District 6 champ Jenee Delerme of Holidaysburg.

Honer slipped while leaving school Monday, which led to the injury. She worked with her private coach Tuesday, and Morrin joined them at the court when the instructor said Honer was not at 100 percent.

Before the match, Honer received cupping therapy Wednesday morning and was told she could play through the injury if she felt comfortable. She won the first game and led 30-0 while serving in the second game. Velaga broke Honer to tie the match and then won the next three points before Honer called for the trainer and retired.

Honer doesn’t have any muscle damage, Morrin said, and will try to recover in time for the state tournament in Hershey.

“Three-quarters of her game is making her opponent hit another ball, and if she can’t get to it, she can’t make her hit it,” Morrin said.

The two friends looked forward to playing Wednesday. In Council Rock North’s first match of the season, Honer and Velaga battled for three sets in a nearly three-hour match.

“That’s what I thought what we were going to see, something more like on those terms, maybe not three sets, but something more competitive, but you could tell something was wrong out there,” North Penn coach Alex DeCecco said.

In the Class AAA doubles final, Methacton’s run through the district playoffs came to an end. After entering the tournament as the No. 6 seed and losing their first set, 6-0, Tina Prince and Dina Nouaime made a run to the title match. The Warriors’ duo lost to Harriton’s Sophia Sassoli and Saige Roshkoff, 6-0, 6-0.

“We were pretty solid and aggressive at net,” Roshkoff said. “We had good serve placement and looked to poach off of that, and we played smart and did what we had to do.”

“I think we had really good energy into the match, which helped us start strong and then we kind of got some confidence from that and then that confidence helped us maintain pretty good tennis,” Sassoli said.

Roshkoff said she and Sassoli did well with their play at the net and serve placement. Before each serve, they signaled to the other where to expect the serve to go and move once it was returned.

Sassoli will make her first appearance in the doubles tournament. She and Connie Richards won the 2016 district title, but Sassoli could not play in states because of another tournament. Sassoli and Roshkoff will play in the team states competition for the fourth straight year.

In doubles, the Harriton duo faces the District 7’s third place team of Jenna Bell and Addison Kemerer of Latrobe, while Methacton faces District 6 champ Kelly Vanden and Catelyn Janac of State College.

Methacton coach Jill Walker said Harriton had the “strongest hitting ball we’ve played against the whole tournament.” Prince and Nouaime return to states after reaching the competition last year.

“I think it was great, actually, to give them the opportunity to see what the best of the best really is like,” Walker said. “These two were really strong, so it’ll give them good experience to see what they’re going to get a taste of at states for sure.”

District 1 Class AAA Girls Tennis
Singles
Final: Neha Velaga (North Penn) def. Council Rock North Amelia Honer (Council Rock North) 4-1 (retired)
Third Place: Jordan Bradley (Downingtown West) def. Souderton Caitlin Le (Souderton) 7-6 (7-5), 6-2.
Fifth Place: Sydney Lund (Central Bucks East) def. Stow Weiss (Mt. St. Joseph) 6-4, 6-4.
Doubles
Final: Sophia Sassoli/Saige Roshkoff (Harriton) def. Tina Prince/Dina Nouaime (Methacton) 6-0, 6-0
Third Place: Kanon Ciarrocchi/Lucy Hederick (Radnor) def. Downingtown West Holly/Sophia Koons (Downingtown West) 6-2, 6-2.
Fifth Place: Hannah Baxter/Jessica Liu (West Chester Henderson) def. Ksenija Tasich/Belinda Jin (Upper Dublin) 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.

Main Line wrap-up: Radnor field hockey win streak reaches 15

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The Radnor High School field hockey team extended its winning streak to 15 games with a 6-0 win in the opening round of the PIAA District 1 AA tournament Tuesday. The top-seeded Raiders scored three times in the first seven minutes. Page Lowry and Olivia Shea scored two goals each for the Raiders (15-3), who have outscored their opponents, 81-9, in the winning streak. Margaret Mooney put home a pass from Barb Civitella 3:40 in to get the scoring started. O’Shea and Brigid Lowry found the back of the net in the next three minutes to break the game open. Page Lowry tallied the first of her two goals to give the Raiders a 4-0 lead at halftime.

Sacred Heart upset No. 3 seed Springfield-Montco, 1-0, in the opening round of the District 1 Class A field hockey playoffs Tuesday. The sixth-seeded Lions shut down a Springfield-Montco team that had scored 11 times in its last three victories. Sarah Terzian controlled the backfield and goalie Gigi Backe made 10 saves. Julia Flood scored off a pass from Danielle Santora on a corner with 16:04 to play in regulation for the winner.

Villa Maria Academy, the second seed in the District 1 AA field hockey playoffs, defeated Springfield, 15-0, in the opening round of the tournament Tuesday. Hannah Miller scored five times in the first half, and Adele Iacobucci and Mary Harks added two goals and an assist each as the Hurricanes built a 10-0 lead at halftime.

In other Main Line high school sports action (the high school wrap-up is compiled from game results sent to Main Line Times & Suburban and our sister newspapers):

 

Boys’ soccer

Barrack Hebrew Academy defeated Renaissance Academy, 2-0, in the Tri-County League quarterfinal. Josh Goldstein scored both of the Cougars’ goals, assisted by Zach Ufberg and Mike Andelman. Barrack goalie Robbie Ufberg recorded three saves.

Episcopal Academy (13-0-3, 5-0-2) tied Malvern Prep, 1-1, Tuesday. Samuel Wilson scored for EA, assisted by Nate Ekpo. EA goalie Trevor Manion recorded five saves.

Haverford School (10-1-2) defeated Malvern Prep, 3-2, Oct. 18, getting goals from Mitchell Hark, Will Micheletti and Trent Davis.

Shipley defeated Moorestown Friends, 1-0, in overtime Oct. 16 on a golden overtime goal by junior Ryan Karliner. Shipley’s shutout was a combined effort from goalies Dean Manor and Joshua Gallia.

 

Girls’ soccer

Barrack Hebrew Academy won the Tri County League Championship for the second year in a row, beating Perkiomen School 1-0 Monday with a goal by Dayna Fegler on an assist from Ava Bloom. The Cougars’ defense was particularly strong in the last 15 minutes, led by Yasi Stein. Goalie Jenna Rose made 10 saves. The Cougars (10-1) have allowed just five goals so far this season.

Episcopal Academy defeated Academy of Notre Dame, 3-2, Tuesday. Olivia Dirks (one assist), Hailee Moran and Ali McHugh each scored a goal for EA, and goalie Allie Bush recorded two saves.

The Churchwomen defeated Baldwin School, 3-2, Oct. 19. EA got two unassisted goals from Maddie Loughead, and the game-winner from Olivia Dirks with an assist from Raina Kuzemka. EA goalie Allie Bush recorded two saves.

Shipley defeated host Moorestown Friends, 2-1, in overtime Tuesday. Mackenzie Medina scored both of the Gators’ goals, assisted by Liv Hamilton and Ava Horowitz. Goalie Grace Gordon recorded seven saves.

 

Field hockey

Academy of Notre Dame defeated Springside Chestnut Hill, 7-0, Oct. 19. Lauren Curran had a hat trick, and Jess Schneider had two goals and an assist.

Agnes Irwin defeated Bonner Prendergast, 3-2, Monday. The Owls (8-6, 3-4) were led by Ariana Karalis (one goal, one assist), Lily Botta (one goal), Emma van der Veen (one goal) and Marissa White (one assist).

Four days earlier, the Owls defeated Penn Charter, 6-0, getting a hat trick from Hadley Evans and two goals from Marissa White.

Archbishop Carroll defeated Lansdale Catholic, 2-0, Oct. 19, as Alex Almonte scored both goals. Megan Curry and Maeve Riehman dished out assists.

Episcopal Academy (10-2-2, 5-2-1) defeated Academy of Notre Dame, 3-1, Tuesday. EA goals were scored by Sofia Acosta, Maddie Rehak and Gianna Pantaleo (one assist). Lauren Devletian had two defensive saves, and goalie Caroline Kelly recorded 15 saves. Lauren Curran scored for the Irish, with an assist from Mia Leonhardt.

Friends’ Central lost to Friends Select, 2-1, Tuesday. Katie Leone scored for the Phoenix on a penalty stroke, and goalie Nora Wadsworth recorded six saves.

The Phoenix tied Germantown Friends, 1-1, Monday. Nora Wadsworth tallied 10 saves in goal, and Tori Lane had two saves. Lilah Epstein scored, with an assist from Bella Lederman.

 

Girls’ tennis

Barrack Hebrew Academy captured the Penn-Jersey Athletic Association Championship 3-2 Monday at Mill Creek Park in Willingboro, N.J., an event in which all the schools that competed in the PJAA league throughout the season competed against each other in three singles and two doubles events each using a single elimination process until the finals. At second singles, Barrack’s Dori Hoffman-Filler defeated New Foundations 6-1, 6-0 in the semifinals and won 6-2, 6-3 in the finals against Villa Victoria. At third singles, Ellie Sherwood defeated Villa Victoria 6-4, 6-3 in the semifinals and won 6-1, 7-6 in the finals against Doane Academy. At second doubles, Barrack’s Anita Hoffman and Sophie Levin defeated Doane 6-2, 6-0 in the semifinals and won 7-5, 6-2 in the finals against New Foundations.

Shipley defeated Academy of New Church, 5-0, Oct. 19, ending its regular season with a 7-1 record in the Friends’ Schools League. The Gators got straight set wins from all three of their singles players – Tori Allen (first), Phoebe Fry (second) and Lillia Becker (third).

 

Girls’ volleyball

Academy of Notre Dame (15-2, 8-0) finished its third consecutive undefeated league championship run in a hard-fought five-set win at Agnes Irwin on DIg Pink night Tuesday. After falling  behind 2-1, the Irish mounted a fierce come from behind charge (23-25; 25-18; 24-26; 25-15; 15-8).  Leading the come back for the Irish were Riley Shaak with 15 kills and nine blocks and Christine Covella’s 33 assists.  The win insured Notre Dame the No. 1 seed in the PAISAA tournament.

The Irish clinched their third consecutive Inter Ac League title, their fifth in six years, with a 3-0 win at Springside Chestnut Hill Oct. 17, posting scores of 25-18, 25-7, 25-14. Sara McDougall and Sam McGarvey totaled 11 kills with McDougall adding 54 kills. Gracie Guerin continued her dominance at the net with six blocks.

Baldwin School defeated Germantown Academy, 3-2, Oct. 19 on Senior Day, as Georgia Dahm, Laura Pellicano, Makayla Pratt, Cartier Thomas, Olivia Tornetta and Taylor Trapp were honored. The Polar Bears prevailed in five sets, 19-25, 25-23, 25-17,12-25,and 22-20 to earn their first-ever season sweep over the Patriots. Baldwin was led by Cartier Thomas (two aces, three kills, 38 assists), Georgia Dahm (10 kills, four blocks), Anajah Brown (12 kills, six blocks), Laura Pellicano (11 kills, four aces, six digs), Tessa Pearlstein (seven kills, four blocks), Elise Kait (nine digs, one ace) and Taylor Trapp (12 digs, two aces).

 

Water polo

Episcopal Academy (girls) defeated Germantown Academy, 11-5, Oct. 19. EA standouts were Katie Brian, Jovana Sekulic and Ava Hendrickson.

Haverford School (20-2, 6-0) defeated Penn Charter, 15-5, Tuesday. Ryan LaRocca had three goals and four steals, while JR Leitz tallied two goals, three assists and three steals.

The Fords defeated Malvern Prep, 11-8, Oct. 18. as goalies Jason Chen and Koby Degenhardt combined for 10 saves. Other contributors included David Gobora (two goals, three steals), Ryan LaRocca (four goals, five assists, two drawn ejections), Jake LaRocca (four blocks) and Matej Sekulic (two goals, two assists).

Malvern Prep lost to Episcopal Academy, 11-6, Tuesday. Jack Cassidy led the Friars with four goals and Brennan Robinson and Dan Ward each scored a goal.  Jake Caulfield was again solid in goal for the Friars, making 18 saves.

 

Cross-country

Malvern Prep finished first at the Inter-Ac Championships Monday, led by Zachary Brill (second place, 16:48.8) and Collin Hess (fifth, 17:22.7). Episcopal Academy placed fourth, led by Owen Maier (sixth), Carson Fischer (eighth) and Bradley French (ninth). Haverford School finished fifth, led by A.J. Sanford (11th).

 

Golf

Malvern Prep senior captain Andrew Curran shot a 6-under-par score of 66 to win by seven shots at the Bert Linton Invitational Tournament Tuesday at Sunnybrook Golf Club. His winning score was the lowest ever posted in league history. With that score, Curran also earned first team All-Inter-Ac honors.

Harriton sweeps past Conestoga to win 3A team tennis title

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HERSHEY >> Conestoga fell one step shy of securing its first state team tennis title at Hershey Racquet Club.

The Pioneers dropped a 3-0 decision to Central League rival Harriton Saturday evening, thwarting the program’s bid for its inaugural gold trophy.

Unionville was also defeated it its bid, dropping a score decision to the top-seeded Rams in Saturday morning’s semifinal round.

Harriton — the 2016 state champs — made it two in three by dispatching the Pioneers in the Class AAA title match in lightning speed, clinching the championship in 1 hour-and-five-minutes with victories at first and second singles and the No. 2 doubles court. Wins on the latter two courts came within seconds of each other and abruptly halted the proceedings. The two remaining courts still in play were abandoned.

Despite the setback to a league and District 1 powerhouse, first-year Stoga coach Brittany Aimone was proud of her senior-laden club, which made school history by just appearing in the championship round. They had to defeat defending state champ North Allegheny 3-2 in Saturday morning’s semifinal round just to make it, no small feat.

“It’s without words right now,” Aimone said. “This squad, they’re a special group of girls. Their attitude and their energy has gotten them to where we are today. I stress more than anything being a family and a unit, and they stand together today as one. It’s beyond words.

“The girls came in with the attitude of playing their best tennis today and if this was the best they can do, I’m proud of them.”

Harriton’s Sophia Sassoli was first off, at top singles, when she beat Cassidy Landau 6-0, 6-0. The match remained 1-0 in favor of the Rams for a bit until a 6-0, 6-1 win by Saige Rosekoff over Priya Araveindnan was followed literally seconds later by a 6-2, 6-1 win at second doubles to clinch the title. That match featured Harriton’s Lauren Binnion and Roshni Parikh besting Stoga’s Kate Wieser and Sophia Mazza.

Harriton head coach Kathi Rees, former program assistant coach, celebrated her first title as head of the program with her players, many of whom tasted gold two seasons ago.

“The level of tennis here is very high,” Rees said, “and we’re fortunate. The people who come into the district, they pick Harriton not only for the academics but sometimes the high level of some of the sports teams and we’ve always had strong tennis teams.”

The ruthless efficiency of her Rams in the championship match did not surprise Rees.

“We’ve played them three times this year,” she said of the Pioneers. “The first match was close, 4-3, but the second was 5-0. This is our third time. I’m just excited we had two teams from the league make the finals.”

Unionville drew Harriton after a successful Friday round that saw the Indians take out Peters Township in the quarterfinals. The run ended with a 3-0 loss to the Rams in the semifinals. 


Wyomissing falls a step shy in PIAA bid with 3-2 loss to Sewickley Academy

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HERSHEY >> Wyomissing’s bid for a second PIAA team tennis title in three seasons fell one court short Saturday evening at Hershey Racquet Club.

 

The Spartans, the 2016 state champs, lost the Class AA championship match to WPIAL power Sewickley Academy, 3-2. It was rematch of the 2011 state title encounter, won by Panthers — who hadn’t tasted gold since until Saturday night.

 

Sewickley completed an unbeaten 24-0 through its slate with the triumph, which included a 3-2 win over Lower Moreland in the semifinal morning session at HRC.

 

The Spartans, also gunning for an unblemished run, had reached the final by knocking off Knoch by a 3-2 count in their semifinal encounter. Mike Gyomber — in his first year of a second go-round as girls’ head coach — and crew finished the campaign with a 16-1 mark and silver medals.

 

Wyo won both doubles matches versus SA but was swept on all three singles courts. Spartan tandems of Mackenzie Reese and Bella A’ddesi at top doubles (6-2, 6-2) and Emily Weidner and Aly Saad at No. 2 (6-4, 7-5) came through. But a third point never materialized.

 

“Our doubles were really strong, really happy with doubles,” Gyomber said. “I wasn’t sure what was gonna happen there but they just carried points for us and it was an amazing accomplishment. We just needed one point in the singles and we had a shot at it. But you’ve got to play the matches and Sewickley was strong where they needed to be, in those top three positions.”

 

Sewickley’s Evelyn Safar, Simran Bedi and Christina Walton swept their singles tilts to clinch it for the Panthers. Safar beat Wyo No. 1 Vittoria D’Addesi 6-1, 6-0; Bedi clipped District 3-AA singles champ Alex Jadic 7-5, 6-2 at No. 2; Walton beat Jasmine Wang 6-3, 6-0 at third singles.

 

It’s been seven years since SA last hoisted a gold state trophy. The moment was not lost on veteran coach Whit Snyder.

 

“I’m extremely proud of them,” Snyder said of his squad. “We had an influx last year of six freshman and we lost in the semifinals here. There were tears, but good tears, motivating tears. The girls worked extremely hard. We start six sophomore and one senior and they’re all very unselfish and they put in a lot of time in outside the program.

 

“What helped a lot is that we played a lot of triple-A competition during the season, teams like North Allegheny, Shady Side, Mount Lebanon, Upper Saint Clair, Fox Chapel, those type of teams, which are all tremendous programs. You learn what you have when you play those type of teams. It’s a privilege to be in this moment.”

 

Snyder said there was never any real internal talk about running the table.

 

“We never really even talked about that,” he said. “There was no focus on an undefeated season. There was talk of, ‘hey, we’re playing a triple-A team and they’re really good, so let’s do our best and learn from that.’ … the fun thing about a team sport is that you get to share it.”   

 

  

 

Harriton captures PIAA 3A state team tennis title

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Hershey >> Minutes after Connie Richards and Mackenzie Sherman won their semi-final match at No. 1 doubles, which clinched  a 3-0 win by Harriton over Unionville in the PIAA 3A team semifinals, the Rams had a mild celebration before turning their attention to a familiar foe who they would be facing in the PIAA Class AAA state finals.

 

Right before Harriton had earned its spot in the state final, Central League rival Conestoga had clinched its berth with a 3-1 upset of defending state champion North Allegheny.

 

Hearing the murmur of how difficult it is to beat a team three times, the Rams went out and put that adage to rest defeating Conestoga to win their second state title in three years.

 

“These girls played like a team all year and I was so happy to see them win a state title,” said Harriton coach Kathi Rees, who is in her first year as head coach after serving as an assistant coach last season. “Conestoga is a quality team and to beat a talented team three times in less than one month is very difficult.”

 

After Sophia Sassoli and Saige Roshkoff put the first two points on the board in the state final, the No. 2 doubles tandem of seniors Lauren Binnion and Roshni Parikh earned the third point needed to clinch the Rams’ 3-0 win and the state title with a 6-2, 6-1 victory.

 

“It meant so much to earn the clinching point because it solidified our state championship win,” said Binnion. “To be able to help the team fulfill our goal of going undefeated and winning States means a lot and is something I will never forget.”

 

Parikh added, “It is truly one of the best ways to end my high school career, if not the best experience, I have had throughout my time in high school. The fact that I was able to actually play this year with the other six girls and win the clinching match of the finals with Lauren [Binnion] is better than anything I could have ever asked for and is an experience I will be able to remember for the rest of my life. I am so happy I got to spend the last four seasons with this team and am so grateful I was able to learn with them and accomplish this together for the last time.”

 

The win caps off a magical season for a Harriton team that first took the court in August with the expectation of returning to the state finals after advancing last season before falling to North Allegheny.

 

With the bitter taste of last season’s state final fresh in their minds when they took the court in August under new leadership, the Rams came together quickly, with the seniors taking the reins and showing the way for the underclassmen.

 

Capturing the Cougar Classic at Downingtown West to open the season, the Rams handled the challenge each day and finished a magical season going 20-0, thanks in large part to the senior leadership.

 

“The seniors were an integral part of our success the past four years,” said Rees. “They showed tremendous leadership every day and brought this group together, which is not always easy in a sport that most people consider to be more of an individual sport.”

 

Binnion added, “I expressed to the underclassmen how important perseverance is and how we have to move on from our [state final] loss last year and learn from our mistakes. I also tried to convey how important it is to enjoy every match because you never know when it is the last.”

 

“The seniors have been my role models since I was in middle school,” said Sherman, who paired with senior Connie Richards at No.1 doubles. “I admire their work ethic, positive energy, and leadership skills. Coming in as a freshman with all the skilled players was intimidating at first, but with all the warm welcomes, I immediately felt part of the team. I will definitely miss the seniors, but they are my teammates and friends forever, and nothing will ever take that away. Although tennis is mainly an individual sport, we are truly a bonded team, and we will always be there for each other. The seniors laid a strong foundation for future Harriton girls tennis.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

Girls Tennis: All-Pioneer Athletic Conference teams

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The Pioneer Athletic Conference released its All-League selections for girls tennis on Wednesday afternoon.

First Team
 
Singles Dina Nouaime, Sr. Methacton
  Julia Gumieniak, Sr. Phoenixville
  Tori Alexander, Sr. Spring-Ford
  Elaina Lee, Sr. Owen J. Roberts
  Tina Prince, Sr. Methacton
Doubles Anna Ryu, Sr.
Angie Kuang, Sr. Methacton
  Casey Goldstein, Jr.
Rachel Reiniger, Sr. Spring-Ford
  Emily Shoemaker, Jr.
Olivia Newman, Jr. Perkiomen Valley
  Lucy Olsen, So.
Emma Griffin, Jr. Spring-Ford
Second Team
 
Singles Gina Brown, Sr. Phoenixville
  Alexandra Rieg, Sr. Phoenixville
Doubles Julia Brennan, Sr.
Madeline Zarkoski, Sr. Owen J Roberts
  Kaitlyn Carroll, Sr.
Gabrielle Timoteo, Sr. Perkiomen Valley
  Julia Jablonski, Sr.
Katie Chan, So. Methacton
  Anna Hilles, Sr.
Lindsey Horowitz, So. Methacton
Honorable Mention
 
Singles Nadja Townsend, Jr. Perkiomen Valley
  Jacey Caplan, Sr. Owen J. Roberts
  Isabel Mejia, Fr. Spring-Ford
Doubles Lauren Tang, Jr.
Abby Hommer, Sr. Spring-Ford
  Hannah Sharkey, Jr.
Breanna Weigelt, Jr. Spring-Ford

North Penn’s Velaga wins state title

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North Penn junior Neha Velaga continued her ascension among tennis’ elite by winning the PIAA Class 3A title in impressive fashion, rallying for a three-set victory over North Allegheny’s Ashley Huang Saturday at the Hershey Racquet Club.
Velaga won 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. The loss in the first set was the only set she dropped the entire tournament.
In the semifinals, the North Penn junior defeated Eliza Askarova of George Washington 6-2, 6-4.
Velaga is currently ranked No. 1 in Middle States 18 and under, playing a national schedule which included a match against now WTA pro 19 year-old Kayla Day.
Over in the doubles, Methacton’s Dina Nouaime and Tina Prince were finally stopped. After losing the first set in their first match of the District 1-3A Tournament 6-0, the Warriors duo has been unstoppable.
They met their match in the finals, falling 6-1, 6-2 to Harriton’s Sophia Sassoli and Saige Roshkoff.
In the semis, Nouaime and Prince defeated Shady Side Academy’s Ella Santora/Aya Youssef 6-1, 6-3. Over in 2A, Lower Moreland’s Nikole Lisovyy won the title with a 6-1, 6-4 win over Bethlehem Catholic’s Brenna Magliochetti, 6-1, 6-4. In the semifinals Lisovyy defeated South Williamsport’s Olivia Dorner, 6-2, 6-4.

Baldwin School’s Izzy Antanavicius is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week

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Izzy Antanavicius

The Baldwin School freshman posted a 9-1 record (6-0 Inter-Ac) at second singles and won a silver medal at the Inter-Ac Tournament. Baldwin head coach Jeff Sacks said, “Izzy possesses a serve that resembles a Division 1 collegiate serve by its speed. Her ground strokes are hit with depth and she punishes any ball that is hit short. Her volley is hit with precision. She has unlimited potential and more importantly a willingness to learn and improve.”

Q: What do you think is the strongest part of your game? What part of your game are you currently working on the most?

A: I guess I would say the power I put into my shots would be my strength. I’m a good deal taller than most of the girls I play so I have a bit more weight behind the ball, this makes it a bit more difficult for players to return my shots. At the same time, this does lead me to make a lot of errors. My coach and I are working to minimize those errors but at the same time making sure I maintain the same power.

Q: What is your sharpest memory of the Baldwin tennis season – can you share it with us?

A: Coming to the varsity tennis team as a freshman was a little nerve-racking – not only was I playing second singles but I was also one of the only freshmen on the team. With only two freshmen on the team and the rest upperclassmen, I was really worried I wouldn’t get along with any of the girls. Week after week, I was gaining many friendships and I didn’t feel like an underclassman anymore. Everyone was very welcoming and we all supported each other through anything inside and outside of tennis. Everyone felt part of the team, freshman or not.

Q: What do you think was your best match of the season, and what was working particularly well for you that day?

A: I would say my best match was probably against Lawrenceville. They have a very strong second singles player and she’s actually one of my best tennis friends! In past years she’s always been someone I’ve struggled to play against, sitting at a higher spot ranking wise in our section, I’ve always had a fear of playing her. Up until that match, I hadn’t “formally” beaten her and it was just an amazing feeling when I finally did! What won me that match was my positive and a “try your hardest” attitude. I knew she was going to be tough but I also knew that I was capable of beating her with the support of my family and friends.

Q: Who are your favorite tennis players? Do you try to pattern your game after any of them?

A: Ever since I was a kid, Maria Sharapova has always been one of my main role models. I try to watch most of her matches and even occasionally I watch her practice at places like the US Open and other ITF tournaments. I would say she’s one of my idols because we share the same game style. She’s a person that creates a lot of power and dominates with her serve and fast flying balls. I may not be accurate as her, but I naturally have a bit more power because of my height, and my serve is one of the best parts of my game, just like hers is for her.

Q: Tell us a little about your tennis career outside of Baldwin. What sparked your original interest in tennis?

A: When I’m not playing on the Baldwin tennis team I go to an academy called HPTA (High Performance Tennis Academy). There I participate in clinics where I play against many of the other ranked tennis players in my section. I also take private lessons with my coach Tom Gutteridge and hitting lessons with my other coach Mary Coleman. I spend pretty much every day, six days a week, on the tennis court either participating in clinics or taking lessons. On the weekends, all year, I compete in tournaments that are regionals, sectionals, nationals, and I’ve played a few international tournaments outside the US. I started playing tennis when I was about 9 or 10 years old. Inspired originally by my older brother who used to take a few lessons here and there, I thought it would be fun to try it out myself. With all of the other sports I played, I never really focused on tennis specifically until I turned 12, that was when I realized that I love tennis and that it was going to be my main sport.

Q: Who have been your top tennis mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from them?

A: I would say, my current coach, Tom Gutteridge, and my father are my top tennis mentors. They support me and help me through tough situations. Before I first started working with Tom I couldn’t win a match. Every tournament, I would lose in the first round and leave home disappointed. Once I started working with him I had more wins than losses in just under a year! He greatly improved my technique and endurance on the court, I couldn’t be more thankful. My other top tennis mentor, my dad, was really there for me throughout my whole tennis journey. Without him, I don’t think I would be where I am today. As most tennis players know, coaches and academies change over time, that’s just how tennis is, but these changes can be hard. One coach telling you one thing while the other tells you to do the complete opposite, it’s not easy, but my dad was always there to support me through these changes. Whether they were positive changes or not, he is always there for me no matter what.

Q: Tell us a little about your pre-match preparation the day of a match.

A: On the day of a match, generally, I try to wake up and eat at least three hours before a match because I want to make sure I am awake and focused during my match. Within those three hours, I try to find a one-hour warm-up with either a coach or a good friend/doubles partner – dynamics, hitting, all of the basics to get my body warm before I go out and play. Then, right before I go on court I listen to music to make sure I’m focused and relaxed. I try not to stress about too much before a match so I keep my routine simple and easy.

Q:What is your favorite tennis venue, and why?

A: My favorite venue would be one near Pittsburgh called The Oxford Athletic Club. Almost every time I go there for a tournament I play very well. The directors are very kind and the refs are always fair. I just find it very “comforting”, and it’s near my hometown, Pittsburgh, so I get to see some friends while I’m there as well. However, I enjoy pretty much any indoor center, since indoor hard courts are my favorite kinds of surfaces.

Q:What is your favorite academic subject at Baldwin School? Is there a career path that particularly appeals to you at the present time?

A: My two favorite subjects are science (physics) and math (geometry and algebra II), I find those classes to be the ones that I look forward to every day. Growing up with two doctors in the family, I am inclined to consider pursuing being a doctor myself – that’s a career I am very interested in, but I have so many interests in the science and math world that I’m not quite so sure on what I want to pursue yet.

Fun facts – Izzy Antanavicius

Favorite book: Between Shades of Gray. by Ruta Sepetys.

Favorite author: John Green.

Favorite TV show: The Good Doctor.

Favorite movie: The Hunger Games.

Favorite athlete: Maria Sharapova.

Favorite pre-match pump-up song: “Anything top charts.”

Favorite team: “Philadelphia Eagles!!!”

Favorite place to visit: Australia.

Favorite pre-match meal: Any fruit.

Person I most admire: “My brother, Tadas because he is the hardest-working person I know and he’s definitely someone I look up to. As an entrepreneur and businessman, he has reached mountains only a few others have reached, I am just so happy to have such an amazing person in my life. I am so proud to be his loving sister.”

Family members: parents Ginta and Kristina, younger brother Benas, older brother Tadas.

(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)

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