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The Hollidaysburg girls tennis team suffered their first loss of the season on Tuesday. Unfortunately, it was during their last match of the season.
Hollidaysburg's 2023 campaign came to a close in the first round of the PIAA Tournament, falling to WPIAL power North Allegheny, 5-0, at the Herb Faris Courts at Mansion Park.
"I am so proud of our team, not only for the effort they put forth but also for such an amazing season," said Lady Tigers coach Brian Denis, whose club finished at 21-1. "North Allegheny is one of the elite programs in our state, and that is what we are striving for. There is a reason why they have won five state titles."
In singles play, Hollidaysburg's Crosby Denis fell to Sarah Fernandez while Meghan Ferris was defeated by Laeticia Wessel. Regan McKee lost to Payton Mauser.
"Once we settled our nerves a little after the first set, I feel all five matches played outstanding second sets, giving us a chance to pull out some matches," Denis said. "We have to work extremely hard to keep up with the much larger Pittsburgh schools."
In doubles play, Nina Meadows and Grace Muriceak lost to Audrey Zheng and Tia Soussou, 7-6, 6-3 while CeCe Williams and Sarah Neatrour were bested by Siya Jain and Rebecca Murphy, 6-1, 6-4.
"All of the hard work we put in over the past season is what led to such an outstanding season for us," Denis said.
Ferris, McKee, Meadows and Williams played their final team match. This Friday, Ferris and Crosby Denis will compete at the state doubles tournament.
"We lose a tremendous amount of talent to graduation, but hopefully, the younger kids buy into the off-season program," Denis said. "It was definitely a season to remember."
SINGLES: 1, Sarah Fernandez, NA, def. Crosby Denis, 6-0, 6-2; 2, Laeticia Wessel, NA, def. Meghan Ferris, 6-0, 6-1; 3, Payton Mauser, NA, def. Regan McKee, 6-0, 7-5.
DOUBLES: 1, Audrey Zheng-Tia Soussou (NA) def. Nina Meadows-Grace Muriceak, 7-6, 6-3; 2, Siya Jain-Rebecca Murphy (NA) def. CeCe Williams-Sarah Neatrour, 6-0, 7-5.
Records: Hollidaysburg (21-1), North Allegheny (19-2).