Lower Merion girls tennis team captures PIAA 3A team state title – Mainline Media News

The Lower Merion girls tennis team played in its first PIAA 3A team tournament since 2007, capturing the PIAA 3A state title on Oct. 26 at the Hershey Racquet Club.

The Aces defeated District 1 runner-up Council Rock South 3-0 in the championship final, winning all three matches in straight sets. Wins came from freshman Jasmine Taylor at first singles, sophomore Shaila Anolik at third singles, and the first doubles duo of freshman Claire Minerva and sophomore Camille Cohen. Council Rock South had entered the tournament as defending PIAA 3A state champions.

Lower Merion finished the season with a 23-0 record. In the state team tournament, the Aces defeated Cumberland Valley 5-0 in the opening round on Oct. 22 at the Legacy Tennis Center; defeated Shady Side Academy 4-1 in the quarterfinals on Oct. 25 in Hershey; and defeated District 7 champion Mount Lebanon 3-1 in the semifinals on Oct. 26.

Six of the seven players in the Lower Merion lineup at the PIAA 3A state tournament were freshmen or sophomores. The Aces hadn't won a PIAA postseason round in several years, and several players talked about how well this team bonded during the season.

Senior captain Ella Hoffman, who teamed with sophomore Sydney Lancaster for a straight-set win at second doubles in the state quarterfinals, said, “One of my favorite memories of this season was our night in Hershey (Oct. 25) during states. After our quarterfinals, we went out to dinner and spent the evening together at the hotel, enjoying snacks and sharing stories. Our team had never had such a bond with each other in the past, so it felt incredibly special.”

Taylor, who defeated CR South junior Michelle Lerman 7-5, 6-2 in the championship final, said, “My favorite memory from this season was cheering on my teammates after my match ended.”

Shaila Anolik, who defeated Ava Bograd of Council Rock South 6-3, 6-2 in the championship final, said, “One of the best parts of high school tennis is gaining a supportive sisterhood. My favorite memory is the pre-match ritual where we huddle around each other and recite our chant. It is an enthusiastic, confidence-inspiring send-off before each of us heads off to our respective matches.”

Shaila Anolik's twin sister Eden won her first set in the second singles match in the championship final, 7-5, against CR South junior Kim Chen after trailing 2-5.

“This set reminds me of the strength we have as a team, but also of our resilience,” said Eden Anolik. “And I was able to enjoy this (state title) with my own twin sister.”

Eden Anolik teams with Cohen to compete in the PIAA 3A state doubles tournament in Hershey Nov. 1-2.

Other Aces also enjoyed the team bonding. For Lancaster, her favorite memory of the season was spending time with her teammates in Hershey and receiving support from her fellow Aces on the court.

“Despite all the hard work we put in during the tournament, we all had a fun time messing around together,” said Lancaster. “In the first round of states, I felt so much support from my teammates. That made me play confidently and have my best game of the season.”

Minvera, who teamed Cohen for a 6-3, 6-3 win in the championship final, said: “My favorite memory of this season was when we got together during states weekend and watched a movie together, or when we did that. a Pseudoname Day for one of our league matches.”

Minerva and Cohen scored the third team point for Lower Merion just seconds after the Aces took a 2-0 lead.

Cohen said, “My favorite memory of this season was probably when Claire and I found out we won states and the whole team came running onto the field cheering. I'm really so grateful to have such a great team, where everyone just wants each other to succeed and have fun.”

Minerva, who will compete in the PIAA 3A state singles tournament, said her best match of the season so far may have been the 6-3, 6-3 victory against Cohen.

Minerva said: “I think since we played against them, I was prepared for a tough match, and I just played well from everything I learned from being on the team. Also (I had) the motivation to win for every girl on the team.

Earlier this season, Lower Merion captured its first District 1 girls tennis title since 2005, defeating Council Rock South 3-1 in the PIAA District 1 3A championship final at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School. The Aces were the top seed in the district tournament.

Lower Merion head coach Harris Mailman said, “We were the favorite (at the PIAA 3A state tournament) on paper, based on UTR. But six of our seven players (at states) were sophomores and freshmen and our team hadn't won a playoff game since I coached (2018).

“I believe we won because our senior captains – Ella, Katie (Haves), Jojo (Cini) and Sydney (Piskai) – were responsible for turning our team culture around and in response our younger tournament players wanted to win for them . Everyone has made their contribution.”

Haves said, “I had the privilege of leading an incredible group of girls at states, and I couldn't be more proud of each and every one of them. I am so excited to see all the great things this team will accomplish in the future.”

Mailman said, “What makes this team special is much more than the (state title) win, their dedication to each other. Seeing them celebrate after the clinch was my favorite coaching moment ever at LM.

Hoffman said, “I can't wait to see where this team goes in the coming years! I will miss this wonderful experience I had at LM.”