When it comes to girls’ tennis in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, District One has always been the best and most dominant.
Emmaus, coming off of winning its first-ever District XI championship in program history last week over rival Parkland, found that out yesterday afternoon in the opening round of the PIAA 3A State Team Tournament at Lehigh Valley Tennis Club facing a powerhouse Council Rock North squad, the third-place entry from District One.
The Indians, 17-1 on the season, proved to be too much for the Hornets to handle as they swept all three singles matches and both doubles, handing Emmaus just its second loss of the season, 5-0.
While the final score may not have indicated a competitive match, Hornets head coach Robert Dragotta was more than pleased with his team’s effort.
“We played very, very well,” said Emmaus’ eighth year coach. “This was the best team by far that we have faced, but our girls played better than they’ve played all season.”
In No. 1 singles, freshman Aubrey McConnell handed Hornets sophomore Zoe Santana her first loss of the season 6-0 and 6-1, and at No. 2 singles, junior Sofia Yi swept senior Gabby Tranguch 6-0 and 6-0.
One of the most competitive matches of the day was at No. 3 singles where senior Brooke DiGiacomo battled fellow senior Alyce Zhang before falling 7-5 and 7-5.
“It was Gabby’s best match she’s played all year and best ever” said Dragotta.
In doubles, Council Rock North won both No. 1 and No. 2 with competitive scores of 6-3 against Emmaus seniors Natalie Hillegass and Katy Kapp and Fiona Harvey and Avary Puliatte.
“I was very proud of the girls and their efforts not only today but all season,” said Dragotta. “For our six seniors, this was their last match.”
While the seniors have wrapped up their high school careers, there’s still more tennis ahead for Santana who will compete in the PIAA State Class 3A Singles Tournament on November 6 in Hershey.
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CR North, 5, Emmaus 0
Singles
#1 – Aubrey McConnell (CRN) def. Zoe Santana 6-0, 6-1
#2 – Sofia Yi (CRN) def. Gabby Tranguch 6-0, 6-0
#3 – Alyce Zhang (CRN) def. Brooke DiGiacomo 7-5, 7-5
Doubles
#1 – Avery Goesling/Xinni Wang (CRN) def. Natalie Hillegass/Katy Kapp 6-3, 6-3
#2 – Natalie Luber/Kayla Bae (CRN) def. Fiona Harvey/Avary Puliatte 6-3, 6-3