By Gary M. Baranec Hollidaysburg's Jenee Delerme competes against Hempfield's Angela Popovich Thursday at Hollidaysburg Area High School.

PSU Altoona to host AAHS matches, D6

From Mirror reports

The Hollidaysburg Area High School girls tennis team appears to have the pieces in place to continue its tradition.

The Lady Tigers have won the District 6 Class 3A team championship eight of the last nine seasons, and seven starters return from the 2017 championship team.

Leading the way will be senior Jenee Delerme, a two-time District 6 singles semifinalist and a 2017 District 6 doubles champion. She has helped Hollidaysburg win the last three district team titles.

Other starters back for Hollidaysburg include seniors Payton Ruggery, Paige Jodon Abigail Goodman, Jenna Sheetz and Alycia Auerbeck, along with junior Samantha Betar.

Altoona gave Hollidaysburg a battle for the team title last year but will face some adversity in 2018. In addition to losing five starters to graduation, one the Lady Lions’ top seniors, Olivia Hudson, will miss the season with a knee injury.

Also, the construction of the new Altoona high school eliminated the Leopold Courts, and with the Mansion Park courts being renovated, the Lady Lions will play all of their home matches at Penn State Altoona.

But Altoona does return two starters in senior Zoe Wilson and junior Alese Rinker, who will join 40-plus other players in the program.

On the Class 2A level, Central Cambria, like Hollidaysburg, appears to be in a good position to defend its district team title.

District 6 2A singles runner-up and doubles champ Olivia Ratchford is back for her sophomore season and joins upperclassmen returning starters Maria Farabaugh, Emma Ratchford, Samantha Archangelo and Rachel Holtz.

Central Cambria should be considered a favorite in the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference, where Chestnut Ridge begins its first season in the league.

Also in the LHAC, Bedford has two starters back in Emily Ruhlman and Lindsay Shuke, and Bishop Guilfoyle will be playing most of its matches on the road due to the Mansion Park courts renovation.

In the Mountain League, Central, last season’s co-champion, returns three starters — juniors Allison Brooks, Lindsey Kensinger and Kierra Mountain — while Tyrone and Huntingdon have several experienced players to lead their teams.

The District 6 singles and doubles championship tournaments are also scheduled to be held at Penn State Altoona in early October.

Altoona

Coach: Eric Hovan, 22nd year

Career record: 549-152

Last year’s record: 16-2

Conference: Independent

Returning starters: Olivia Hudson, sr.; Zoe Wilson, sr.; Alese Rinker, jr.

Other returners: Lauryn Corle, sr.; Molly Kreuz, sr.; Chloe Orr, sr.; Allie Sprankle, sr.; Gianna Caputo, jr.; Alyson Hollingsworth, jr.; Rachel Palmerine, jr.; Julia Whiting, jr.; Maura Brandt, soph.; Gianna Civarella, soph.; Mya Crownover, soph.; Isabella Frank, soph.; Eve Hogan, soph.; Meg Keating, soph.; Alaina Koehle, soph.; Emily Neil, soph.; Marissa Walgrove, soph.; Rylie Whitaker, soph.

Newcomers: Elaina Waksmonski, sr.; Olivia Waksmonski, jr.; Brooke Ajay, fr.; Avery Burchfield, fr.; Olivia Chillie, fr.; Jaci Clouser, fr.; Becca Dull, fr.; Elly Eisel, fr.; Tiffany Guo, fr.; Brooke Harrington, fr.; Rebecca Holliday, fr.; Stevie Jones, fr.; Jayla Nartatez, fr.; Mia Sassano, fr.; Emma Skelley, fr.; Mercedes Thompson, fr.

Strengths: “Zoe Wilson and Alese Rinker were both valuable starters in doubles for us last year. They have worked really hard this summer and are ready to step up as singles players. Emma Skelley is an extremely talented freshman who will make a big impact for us. Sophomores Eve Hogan, Isabella Frank and Emily Neil have really stepped up and improved since last season. Gianna Caputo, Julia Whiting, Alysen Hollingsworth, Molly Kreuz and Lauryn Corle are all playing well and are in the mix for doubles spots. We have a very athletic group of freshmen and sophomore athletes who really have a chance to develop into good players. I’m really excited about their potential.”

Concerns: “Our senior class last year was an amazing group. Jess Stevens, Maura Skelley and Lindsey Hallinan all won district championships in their careers, and Kayley Burke and Jasmine VonColln were great doubles players. It will be very tough to replace them from a tennis and leadership perspective. We have 45 players in our girls tennis program, so finding playing time for everyone is always a challenge. Unfortunately, we lost one of our best players for the season in Olivia Hudson, due to injury. While we will miss her on the court, she will still impact us from a leadership standpoint. Forming new doubles teams is always a concern.”

Overall outlook: “I am really looking forward to this season as they are such a fun group to coach. While we may not have many players with starting experience, I feel this team has a tremendous amount of athletic ability and upside. I think we have the potential to be a really good team by the end of the year — one that should be competitive in the district championship.”

Assistant coach: Mark Sapita

BEDFORD

Coach: Deb Rose, third year

Last year’s record: 17-1

Conference: Laurel Highlands

Returning starters: Emily Ruhlman, jr.; Lindsay Shuke, sr.

Newcomers: Josie Shuke, fr.; Brooke Lankey, sr.; Jenna Poorbaugh, soph.; Brooke Yarnell, fr.; Sophie Replogle, fr.; Hailey Shade, sr.; Morgan White, soph.

Strengths: “Our singles players have ability.”

Concerns: “The rest of our team is made up of beginners, so they have started learning the strokes and the game from the very beginning.”

Overall outlook: “Very positive, and the girls are having fun learning, too.”

Assistant coach: Jim Kegg

BISHOP GUILFOYLE­

Coach: Julie Donovan, first year

Career record: 0-0

Last year’s record: Not available

Conference: Laurel Highlands

Returning starters: Victoria McElheny, sr.; Sarah Manna, jr.

Newcomers: Elena Durbin, jr.; Reese Jones, jr.; Julia Runk, soph.; Erin Talko, fr.; Marisa Hooper, fr.; Madison Hooper, fr.

Strengths: “I have three solid singles players in Victoria, Sarah and Erin. They will be able to hold their own as well as challenge each other. Victoria, being a senior, is also a good team leader. The other players are hard workers, good athletes and will progress quickly.”

Concerns: “We no longer have home courts, so the home matches will be a challenge in scheduling.”

Overall outlook: “I am excited about working with this new team of girls. Our assistant coach, Diane Hayes, is a real asset, too.”

Assistant coach: Diane Hayes

CENTRAL

Coach: John Riley, 12th year

Career record: 79-75

Last year’s record: 7-7

Conference: Mountain League

Returning starters: Allison Brooks, jr.; Lindsey Kensinger, jr.; Kierra Mountain, jr.

Other returners: Neeley Ayers, sr.; Michaela Brown, sr.; Candace Holt, sr.; Reagan Bush, jr.; Hannah Greenleaf, jr.; Aleah Trueman, jr.; Ariadne Madden, soph.; Miranda Madden, soph.

Newcomers: Kaylee McClain, jr.; Tomi May, fr.; Violet Smith, fr.

Strengths: “Three starters return.”

Concerns: “We have a very inexperienced group. The three returning starters will be moving up and playing different position in the lineup. We need some girls to step up and claim the two other singles positions. We’re also hoping for less rain, so the girls can get more court time.”

Overall outlook: “If the girls work hard at practice and continue to improve, we hope to be in the mix for the Mountain League title.”

Assistant coaches: Heidi Stern, Brian Berkhimer (volunteer)

CENTRAL CAMBRIA

Coach: Kim Cavalier, second year

Career record: 25-9

Last year’s record: 14-4

Conference: Laurel Highlands

Returning starters: Maria Farabaugh, sr.; Emma Ratchford, jr.; Samantha Archangelo, jr.; Rachel Holtz, jr.; Olivia Ratchford, soph.

Other returnees: Anna Rieg, sr.; Courtney Eller, sr.; Kassandra Gruca, jr.; Sara Patrick, jr.; Sophia Devan, soph.; Lily Persio, soph.; Lauren Vermeulin, soph.

Newcomers: Corrine Markovich, fr.; Andie McCullough, fr.

Strengths: “The Lady Devils have been working hard throughout the summer participating in clinics and conditioning drills. Most of the team has been putting in the time and is ready to start playing competitive matches. With only losing two starters from the 2017 season, most of the District 6 2A championship team from the two previous seasons is still here. From the time they were freshmen, these players have practiced, played and grown together as a team. That familiarity and experience gives us a bit of an advantage, and that should become evident once the season gets under way. The 2018 Lady Devils tennis team will continue to make Central Cambria’s coaches, teachers and administration proud.”

Concerns: “Weather and getting matches and practices in is always a big factor in getting the season completed on time. Getting prepared for our fast-approaching first week of matches has been difficult with rain, but we are hoping the weather improves over the next few weeks. The health of the players is always a concern. With only six weeks of match play, most weeks we will be playing three times, which can make it pretty rough on the athletes. However, with incorporating offseason conditioning this year, we’re hoping everyone remains healthy.”

Overall outlook: “We have a very strong team led by sophomore Olivia Ratchford. Liv was the District 6 singles runner-up last year after a controversial loss to Tyrone and was part of the D6 doubles championship team alongside Liza Brady. In addition to Liv, we have returning starters Maria Farabaugh, Rachel Holtz, Sam Archangelo and Emma Ratchford. All of these ladies did extremely well last year, and their games continue to improve. Added to this experienced team is newcomer Corinne Markovich, a freshman. This will be Corinne’s first year with the Lady Devils, but I have had my eye on her since she was in elementary school. She will be a great addition to our team. This great group of players remain an excellent example of what every team strives to be — smart, hard-working, focused and dedicated. We are once again looking forward to the 2018 season and to bringing the District 6 championship back to Central Cambria for the third year in a row.”

Assistant coach: Paula Smeal

CHESTNUT RIDGE

Coach: Becky Musselman, 14th year

Conference: Laurel Highlands

Returning starters: Hannah Smith, jr.; Ashley Barnes, soph.

Other returners: Kendyll Ahmad, soph.; Sarah Webb, soph.

Newcomers: Sarah Diehl, soph.; Kaitlyn Ickes, fr.; Delana Kissell, fr.; Olivia Knoster, soph.; Kaytlynn Lolas, fr.; Marta Malinowski, sr.; Elecsis Mowry, fr.; Halle Robison, fr.; Cortnie Weaver, jr.

Strengths: “The numbers are way up from last year. We had good participation at our summer clinics — we had several girls working hard on their own in the offseason.”

Concerns: “We’re very young and starting to play in the Laurel Highlands Conference.”

Overall outlook: “I’m looking to see improvement throughout the season — to see the girls better themselves and win some matches. They’re willing to work hard. I’m looking forward to the season.”

Assistant coach: Keith Fleegle

HOLLIDAYSBURG

Coach: Brian Denis, 17th year

Career record: 437-95

Last year’s record: 16-3

Conference: Independent

Returning starters: Jenee Delerme, sr.; Payton Ruggery, sr.; Paige Jodon, sr.; Abigail Goodman, sr.; Jenna Sheetz, sr.; Alycia Auerbeck, sr.; Samantha Betar, jr.

Other returners: Carly Finochio, jr.; Lydia Lieb, soph.; Jennifer Lasek, soph.; Jocelyn Pandolph, jr.

Newcomers: Averie Holtz, jr.; Lauren Imler, jr.; Olivia Day, jr.; Jordan Brown, fr.; Ella Jodon, fr.; Madeline Waibel, fr.; Lana Pope, fr.; Ava Sheetz, fr.; Talia Delerme, fr.; Lydia Um, fr.; Alana Stultz, fr.; Chloe Holtz, fr.; Abby Batzel, fr.; Emily Zhu, fr.

Strengths: “We have a very strong nucleus of returning players that were key contributors in the winning of the last three straight district team championships. We have experienced singles players as well as savvy doubles players. We have players who have a lot of variety in their game, possess all the different types of shots and can play a wide variety of styles of play.”

Concerns: “Figuring out how to find instructional time for 45 players in grades 7-12 with a head coach and one volunteer assistant.”

Overall outlook: “We really cannot wait to get the season started. Our goal once again is nothing less than a ninth district team championship in the last 10 years and maintaining our status as one of the elite teams in the state. We expect to compete with the larger schools in the state and strive to get better each and every practice and match. We have had a great week of practice, and the girls are hungry to excel. We have also added a junior high team, which will hopefully lay the foundation for the future.”

Assistant coach: Megan Bettwy

HUNTINGDON

Coach: Bill Wheeler, second year

Career record: 2-9

Last year’s record: 2-9

Conference: Mountain League

Returning starters: Caroline Sliver, jr.; Liv Vlasik, jr.

Other returners: Rebekah Gearhart, sr.; Alicyn Albaugh, jr.; Avalon Ritchey, jr.

Newcomers: Julia Thompson, jr.; Lainey Albaugh, fr.; Payge Brown, fr.; Cheyenne Dunsmore, fr.; Carly McKellop, fr.; MacKenzie Rhone, fr; Lily Wise, fr; Katharyn Yablonski, fr.; Hilary Stromer, 8th.

Strengths: “Two of our returners have had a good preseason to work on their skills because of camps, etc. We are anxious to have them both play at a more competitive level this year. There is an attitude among our returners that they are ready to begin a good tennis season.”

Concerns: “We are a very young team. There is not much tennis experience except for a few of our players.”

Overall outlook: “The team personality is going to help us support and encourage each other. It should be a nice group of upperclassmen to work with. We will know about the freshman class soon.”

Assistant coach: Julie Sliver

TYRONE

Coach: Randy Irvin, seventh year

Career record: 41-94

Last year’s record: 5-5

Conference: Mountain League

Returning starters: Ava McCracken, sr.; Winnie Grot, jr.; Lindsey Walk, jr.

Other returners: Alivia Jacobs, sr.; Megan Tepsic, sr.; Hannah Gampe, sr.; Emilee Walk, jr.; Olivia Reese, jr.; Alicia Endress, jr.; Megan Dale, jr.; Emily Dively, soph.

Newcomers: Haley Conrad, sr.; Heather Osterhout, sr.; Lydia Irvin, fr.; Victoria Reese, fr.; Isabella Rhoades, fr.; Grace Rose, fr.; Rachel Stricek, fr.; Ashlee Walk, fr.

Strengths: “We have three out of the top five starters from last year returning for our team. We have a very athletic and hard-working team.”

Concerns: “Our biggest concern is getting the girls ample court time because of all the rainy weather.”

Overall outlook: “We are excited to get out and play some tennis.”

Assistant coach: Jim Klesius