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TIGERS FALL TO SHADY SIDE IN WPIAL SEMIFINALS, 5-0

The number five seeded Tigers earned their way into the WPIAL Team Semi-finals Thursday afternoon but ran into the number one seed, Shadyside Academy, en route to a loss that ended their season.  On the courts of Hampton Community Park, the Tigers put up a strong effort but the experience of Shadyside led them to a 5-0 win.  The young and rebuilding Tigers, coming off a PIAA and WPIAL Championship season, fashioned a 16-4 overall record in 2010, including 10-2 in section play and 2-1 in WPIAL Playoffs.

 Congratulations to seniors Andrew Marczak and Cesar Parra for their distinguished careers and contributions to NA tennis!  Andrew will continue his tennis career at Denison University while Cesar will return to his native Ecuador upon graduation.  Also, congratulations to the remaining starters, Chris Lippiello, Bennett Salvatora, Steve Klein, Will Suhrie and Alex Lapiana for their stellar play in this successful season.  The reserve squad, all excellent players in their own right, provided the depth that the Tigers utilized when needed.  Thanks are extended to the following players; Phil Krassenstein, Jake Sample, Anish Manocha, Mike Palmeri and Kevin Zhu.  With their depth and new found experience, the Tigers look to be title contenders again for the 2011 season!

Tennis intramurals are starting today at the Senior High Courts, weather permitting!  All NASH students are welcome!

MATCH RESULTS
SHADY SIDE ACADEMY – 5  NORTH ALLEGHENY - 0

Singles

#1 Chris Mengel (SSA) def. Andrew Marczak (NA) 6-1, 6-1
#2 Vivek Nimgaonkar (SSA) def. Chris Lippiello (NA) 6-0, 6-1
#3 Alok Nimgaonkar (SSA) def. Bennett Salvatora (NA) 7-6 (7-4), 6-3

Doubles

#1 Ben Cohen/Justin Hunt (SSA) def. Steve Klein/Will Suhrie (NA) 6-0, 6-2
#2 Aaron Budd/Sam Miller (SSA) def. Alex Lapiana/Cesar Parra

WPIAL TEAM TENNIS PLAYOFFS
CLASS AAA

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

TIGERS BLAST BLUE DEVILS, 4-1, TO ADVANCE
TO WPIAL SEMI-FINALS

In a total team effort Tuesday afternoon at the Western Area YMCA, the Tigers mauled Mt. Lebanon 4-1 in the quarterfinals of the WPIAL Team Championship tournament.  Both teams split their two contests earlier in the season, with each squad taking 3-2 wins.  This match-up proved much different, as all four of the Tigers’ points came in straight set victories. 

The Tigers’ first point came courtesy of number three singles, where junior Bennett Salvatora dominated Nick Brown.  The second tally came on sophomore Chris Lippiello’s command performance over Joel Lankford, also a two set sweep.  Junior Alex Lapiana and senior Cesar Parra picked up the third and decisive point at number two doubles, vanquishing Sean Horoho and Nathan Estrin, once more in straight sets.  Fast on the heels of the clinching point, sophomores Steve Klein and Will Suhrie beat David Mewkalo and Josh Smith in two sets to complete the scoring blitz.  Senior Andrew Marczak played another classic with Julian Pearlman, dazzling with his aggressive forehand and superb half volleys before bowing in three sets. 

With the win, the Tigers improve to 16-3 on the season and advance one more round in the WPIAL Team Championships.  They will travel to Valley High School Wednesday afternoon to take on top-seeded Shadyside Academy, with match time scheduled for 3 PM for this WPIAL Semi-Final contest.

MATCH SUMMARY
NORTH ALLEGHENY – 4  MT. LEBANON – 1

Singles

#1 Julian Pearlman (Mt. Leb.) def. Andrew Marczak (NA) 7-5, 5-7, 6-0
#2 Chris Lippiello (NA) def. Joel Lankford (Mt. Leb.) 6-3, 6-2
#3 Bennett Salvatora (NA) def. Nick Brown (Mt. Leb.) 6-0, 6-2

Doubles

#1 Steve Klein/Will Suhrie (NA) def. David Mewkalo/Josh Smith (Mt. Leb.) 6-3, 7-5
#2 Alex Lapiana/Cesar Parra (NA) def. Sean Horoho/Nathan Estrin (Mt. Leb.) 6-3, 7-5

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

TIGERS HANDLE HIGHLANDERS, 5-0,
IN WPIAL PLAYOFF OPENER

In the opening round of the WPIAL Team Championships on Monday, the Tigers shut-out Baldwin 5-0, with each match being taken in straight sets.  The Tigers dominated the home contest from beginning to end, allowing Baldwin only two games in the entire match.  Andrew Marczak, Chris Lippiello and Bennett Salvatora took the singles matches while the combos of Steve Klein/Will Suhrie and Alex Lapiana/Cesar Parra won the doubles.  The Tigers’ overall season record improves to 15-3. 

The Tigers now take on the Mt. Lebanon Blue Devils Tuesday afternoon at 2 PM at the Western Area YMCA, in the Quarterfinal Round of the WPIAL Championships.  The Tigers defeated Mt. Lebanon in a pre-season scrimmage while the Blue Devils took an exhibition match against the Tigers several weeks ago.    The Western YMCA is located on Montour Run Road, in Coraopolis, PA. 

MATCH SUMMARY
NORTH ALLEGHENY – 5  BALDWIN - 0

Singles

#1 Andrew Marczak (NA) def. Garrett Lambert (Baldwin) 6-0, 6-0
#2 Chris Lippiello (NA) def. Sean Brady (Baldwin) 6-0, 6-0
#3 Bennett Salvatora (NA) def. Alex Tenebaum (Baldwin) 6-0, 6-1

Doubles

#1 Steve Klein/Will Suhrie (NA) def. Tom Barone/Matt Schmidlin (Baldwin) 6-0, 6-0
#2 Alex Lapiana/Cesar Parra (NA) def. Nate Ward/Sean Varley (Baldwin) 6-0, 6-1

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

TIGERS COMPLETE REGULAR SEASON WITH 4-1
 WIN OVER PETERS TOWNSHIP

The Tigers traveled to Peters Township to complete their rain delayed match against the Peters Township Indians and came home with a 4-1 win to finish regular season play Tuesday afternoon.  The non-section exhibition saw the Tigers sweep all three singles matches along with second doubles to secure the victory.  Senior Andrew Marczak’s outstanding three set come-from-behind victory over Chris Nixon highlighted the contest, which originally began back on March 25.  Junior Alex Lapiana and senior Cesar Parra also came from behind to take their match in three sets at number two doubles, while sophomore Chris Lippiello and junior Bennett Salvatora took straight set matches in the remaining singles contests.

The Tigers completed the regular season with a 14-3 record, including a 10-2 section mark.  They will open defense of their WPIAL title by taking on the Baldwin Highlanders at home in the first round of the AAA Team Championships now on Monday, May 11, at 3:00 pm.

MATCH RESULTS
NORTH ALLEGHENY – 4  PETERS TOWNSHIP - 1

Singles

#1 Andrew Marczak (NA) def. Chris Nixon (Peters) 6-7 (6-8) 6-4, 6-3
#2 Chris Lippiello (NA) def. Nick Mortland (Peters) 6-4, 6-2
#3 Bennett Salvatora (NA) def. Jeff Lioon (Peters) 6-1, 6-1

Doubles

#1 Jeff Miller/Matt Subosits (Peters) def. Steve Klein/Will Suhrie (NA) 6-2, 6-4
#2 Alex Lapiana/Cesar Parra (NA) def. Daner Schratz/Michael Carbonara (4-6, 7-5, 6-1

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

TIGERS WRAP UP SECTION PLAY WITH 5-0
SHUTOUT OF RIVAL NORTH HILLS

The Indians of North Hills ventured into Tiger territory Monday afternoon for the last Section 2 contest of the year and fell to North Allegheny, 5-0.  Leading the way for North Allegheny were Andrew Marczak, Chris Lippiello and Bennett Salvatora at numbers one, two and three singles respectively.  Steve Klein and Will Suhrie along with Alex Lapiana and Cesar Parra held court for both doubles points. 

With the win, the Tigers improved to 13-3 on the year, with a 10-2 section mark.  The Tigers travel to Peters Township Tuesday afternoon to resume a non-section exhibition that was interrupted by rain back on March 25.  Tuesday’s match time is 3:30 PM.  After the match, the Tigers will await word from the WPIAL as to their seed in next week’s Team Championships.

MATCH RESULTS
NORTH ALLEGHENY – 5  NORTH HILLS - 0

Singles

#1 Andrew Marczak (NA) def. Alex Evans (NH) 6-4, 6-2
#2 Chris Lippiello (NA) def. Sam Uhler (NH) 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 6-4
#3 Bennett Salvatora (NA) def. Brandon Grupe (NH) 6-0, 6-0

Doubles

#1 Steve Klein/Will Suhrie (NA) def. Connor Wink/Andrew Edwards (NH) 6-4, 6-3
#2 Alex Lapiana/Cesar Parra (NA) def. Andy Petrell/Jared Wink (NH) 6-2, 6-3

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

MARCZAK/SALVATORA REACH SEMI-FINALS;
LIPPIELLO/SUHRIE FALL IN QUARTERFINALS OF
SECTION 2 DOUBLES

In a day long tennis marathon, the two NA doubles entries fared well in the Section 2 Doubles Tournament but fell short of placing a team in the WPIAL Doubles Championship.   Sophomores Chris Lippiello and Will Suhrie, the NA number two entry and overall #8 seed defeated the Pine-Richland number two entry and overall #9 seed, Brad Foster and Bryan Whalen, in the preliminary round.  From there they advanced to the quarterfinal round where they fell to the overall #1 seed, Butler’s number one team and eventual champions, Matt Slamecka and Will Nesbitt. 

Senior Andrew Marczak and junior Bennett Salvatora, NA’s number one entry and overall #2 seed received a first round bye.  In the quarterfinal round they defeated Central Catholic’s number one entry and overall #10 seed, Adam Neidig and Kevin Wlahofsky.  In the semi-finals, Marczak and Salvatora tangled with Pine-Richland’s number one entry and overall #3 seed, Bas Van Lent and Mike Matthews, bowing out after an outstanding  three set struggle.  They then lost the consolation round to Butler’s number two team and overall #4 seed, Stefan Kemp and Zac McCafferty.  Congratulations to Andrew, Bennett, Chris and Will for their proud representation of North Allegheny. 

The Tigers return to team action on Monday, as they take on the North Hills Indians at home in the final section match-up of the year.  The starting time is 3:30 PM.

NA MATCH RESULTS
SECTION 2 DOUBLES

Preliminary Round
Chris Lippiello/Will Suhrie (NA) def. Brad Foster/Bryan Whalen (PR) 10-5
Andrew Marczak/Bennett Salvatora (NA) Bye

Quarterfinal Round
Matt Slamecka/Will Nesbitt (But.) def. Chris Lippiello/Will Suhrie 10-2
Andrew Marczak/Bennett Salvatora (NA) def. Kevin Wlahofsky/Adam Neidig (Central) 10-2

Semi-Final Round
Bas Van Lent/Mike Matthews (PR) def. Andrew Marczak/Bennett Salvatora (NA) 6-3, 4-6, 6-3

Consolation Round
Stefan Kemp/Zac McCafferty (But.) def. Andrew Marczak/Bennett Salvatora (NA) 7-5, 6-4

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

TIGERS SUBDUE SENECA, 5-0, IN STRAIGHT SET SHUTOUT

The Tigers traveled to Harmony, PA, Wednesday afternoon to resume Section 2 play by taking on the Raiders of Seneca Valley.  With both teams working on doubles line-ups, the Tigers still managed to come home with a 5-0 victory.  Sophomore Steve Klein took the win at number one singles, junior Alex Lapiana mastered his opponent at number two singles and senior Cesar Parra picked up another point at number three singles.  Lapiana and Parra were making their first singles starts of the year.

At number one doubles, senior Andrew Marczak and junior Bennett Salvatora held reign while sophomores Chris Lippiello and Will Suhrie continued the sweep at number two doubles.  With the win, the Tigers improved their overall record to 12-3, 9-2 in the section.  Marczak, Salvatora, Lippiello and Suhrie will represent the Tigers at the Section 2 Doubles Tournament Thursday at the NASH Courts, with play slated to begin at 11 AM.

MATCH RESULTS
NORTH ALLEGHENY – 5  SENECA VALLEY - 0

Singles

#1 Steve Klein (NA) def. Matt Hochberg (SV) 6-0, 6-2
#2 Alex Lapiana (NA) def. Lee Chandler (SV) 7-6 (7-3), 6-0
#3 Cesar Parra (NA) def. Steven Muti (SV) 6-0, 6-0

Doubles

#1 Andrew Marczak/Bennett Salvatora (NA) def. Andrew Wilson/Troy Abbott (SV) 6-3, 6-4
#2 Chris Lippiello/Will Suhrie (NA) def. Mayank Parashar/Joe Shults (SV) 6-0, 6-1

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

TIGERS EDGE ERIE McDOWELL, 3-2, ON LIPPIELLO’S
THIRD SET DRAMATICS

Traditional Northwest PA Tennis powerhouse Erie McDowell traveled to North Allegheny Tuesday to take on both the Tigers and the windy conditions and returned to Erie with a 3-2 loss fueled by an exciting win by Chris Lippiello.  Junior Alex Lapiana and senior Cesar Parra got the points rolling for the Tigers with a straight set win at number two doubles.  McDowell evened the proceedings with a win at number one singles.  NA roared back to take the lead as junior Bennett Salvatora took total control in a straight set win at number three singles. Sophomores Steve Klein and Will Suhrie fought valiantly but fell in three sets in number one doubles after an outstanding effort.  With the score tied 2-2, the match came down to a heart-pounding resolution at number two singles. 

Sophomore Chris Lippiello struggled early with the extreme wind and fell behind, losing the first set 5-7.  He stormed back to send the match to a third set by decisively beating Kevin Ricart 6-1 in the second set.  Down to Ricart 1-4 in the third, Lippiello charged back with deft volleys, strategic lobs and infinite patience to send the set to a tie break at 6 games apiece.  He fell behind again, 2-5, in the tie break which simply set the stage for an epic comeback.  Powered on by loud exhortations of teammates, family and friends, Lippiello ripped off five consecutive points to take the tie-break 7-5, the set 7-6 and the match for the Tigers, 3-2!

With the big non-section win, the Tigers improved overall to 11-3 on the season, 8-2 in the section.  They travel to Seneca Valley Wednesday afternoon to take on the Raiders at 3:30 PM as Section 2 play resumes.

MATCH RESULTS
NORTH ALLEGHENY – 3  ERIE McDOWELL - 2

Singles

#1 Landon Williams (Erie) def. Andrew Marczak (NA) 6-2, 6-1
#2 Chris Lippiello (NA) def. Kevin Ricart (Erie) 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (7-5)
#3 Bennett Salvatora (NA) def. Brian Rubin (Erie) 7-6 (7-4), 6-1

Doubles

#1 T.J. DeSanto/Jay Rathinavelu (Erie) def. Steve Klein/Will Suhrie (NA) 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 6-2
#2 Alex Lapiana/Cesar Parra (NA) def. Jeff Nechleba/Derek Chen (Erie) 6-0, 6-3

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

TIGERS REGAIN WINNING FORM WITH 5-0
SHUTOUT OF CENTRAL CATHOLIC

Bouncing back in fine fashion in Section 2 play, the Tigers shutout the Central Catholic Vikings 5-0 in a home match played at the Oxford Athletic Club Monday afternoon.  Each point was taken in straight sets, and the Tigers relinquished only four games in the process.  Setting the pace at number one singles was senior Andrew Marczak, defeating Kevin Wlahofsky 6-0, 6-1.  At number two singles, sophomore Chris Lippiello took out Graham Sipes 6-0, 6-0.  Moving up to number three singles slot, sophomore Steve Klein beat Spence Bergstein 6-1, 6-0. 

Junior Alex Lapiana teamed up with sophomore Will Suhrie at number one doubles to handle Kevin Frankoh and Dan Hickton, 6-0, 6-1.  Rounding out the action, Phil Krassenstein and Cesar Parra raced past Paul Costello and Brandon Bilyak 6-1, 6-0 in number two doubles. 

The bounce back win for the Tigers raised their overall record to 10-3, 8-2 in the section.  The Tigers will take on the Trojans of Erie-McDowell High School Tuesday afternoon in a non-section exhibition on the NASH courts, starting at 4 PM.

MATCH RESULTS
NORTH ALLEGHENY – 5  CENTRAL CATHOLIC - 0

Singles

#1 Andrew Marczak (NA) def. Kevin Wlahofsky (CC) 6-0, 6-1
#2 Chris Lippiello (NA) def. Graham Sipes (CC) 6-0, 6-0
#3 Steve Klein (NA) def. Spence Bergstein (CC) 6-1, 6-0

Doubles

#1 Will Suhrie/Alex Lapiana (NA) def. Kevin Frankoh/Dan Hickton (CC)
6-0, 6-1
#2 Phil Krassenstein/Cesar Parra (NA) def. Paul Costello/Brandon Bilyak (CC), 6-1, 6-0

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

TORNADO TRIP TIGERS, 4-1

The Tigers traveled to Tornado country Friday afternoon to take on Butler in a match-up of the top two Section 2 squads.  The Tornado’s depth and veteran talent overcame the Tigers’ youth with a 4-1 victory.  The lone Tiger point came courtesy of #2 doubles, where junior Alex Lapiana and senior Cesar Parra defeated Kemper May and Emil Kemp 7-6 (7-4), 6-2.  Strong performances and outstanding efforts were turned in by all starters, as the Tigers fell to 9-3 overall, with a 7-2 section record. 

The Tigers continue the season with more Section 2 action Monday at home against the Central Catholic Vikings.  Match time is scheduled for 3:30.

MATCH SUMMARY
BUTLER – 4  NORTH ALLEGHENY - 1

Singles

#1 Matt Slemecka (But.) def. Andrew Marczak (NA) 7-5, 6-0
#2 Evan Kowalski (But.) def. Chris Lippiello (NA) 7-6 (7-4), 7-5
#3 Will Nesbitt (But.) def. Bennett Salvatora (NA) 7-5, 6-1

Doubles

#1 Stefan Kemp/Zac McCafferty (But.) def. Steve Klein/Will Suhrie (NA) 6-1, 6-2
#2 Alex Lapiana/Cesar Parra (NA) def. Kemper May/Emil Kemp (But.) 7-6 (7-4), 6-2

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

TIGERS BEDEVILED BY LATE MT. LEBANON
COMEBACK IN 3-2 LOSS

In an exciting non-section exhibition at the NASH courts on Wednesday, the Section 4 Mt. Lebanon Blue Devils came from behind to tame the Tigers, 3-2.  The first Tiger point came from #3 singles, as Bennett Salvatora quickly dispatched Nick Brown in straight sets, 6-2,6-3.  Andrew Marczak fell at #1 singles, only to see the Tigers gain a 2-1 advantage when Steve Klein and Will Suhrie defeated David Mewkalo and Josh Smith in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5 at #1 doubles.  The elusive third point never came, as the Tigers extended the Blue Devils to three sets at both #2 singles and #2 doubles but fell just short.  Chris Lippiello, along with the duo of Alex Lapiana and Cesar Parra kept the Tigers in the match to the bitter end.  

The loss drops the Tigers’ record to 9-2 on the season, 7-1 in section play.  They resume Section 2 play Friday at 3:30 PM when they travel to Butler to take on the Golden Tornado. 

MATCH SUMMARY
MT. LEBANON – 3  NORTH ALLEGHENY - 2

Singles

#1 Julian Pearlman (Mt. Leb.) def. Andrew Marczak, 6-3,6-3
#2 Joel Lankford (Mt. Leb.) def. Chris Lippiello (NA) 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 6-3
#3 Bennett Salvatora (NA) def. Nick Brown (Mt. Leb.) 6-2, 6-3

Doubles

#1 Steve Klein/Will Suhrie (NA) def. David Mewkalo/Josh Smith (Mt. Leb.) 6-4, 7-5
#2 Sean Horoho/Nathan Estrin (Mt. Leb.) def. Alex Lapiana/Cesar Parra (NA) 6-3, 3-6, 6-2

 * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

WPIAL TENNIS - 2010

The Tigers will compete again in the WPIAL in Class AAA along with 34 other teams.  The WPIAL will advance two singles players, two sets of doubles teams, and two teams will advance to the PIAA tournament.  Section play must be completed by May 3, 2010. 

The top three teams in each section will enter the WPIAL Tournament.  All playoff entries will be determined by section record only and will be determined by the best section won/lost record.  Teams that tie for first place will not have the tie broken and ALL of the tied teams will be declared section champions, will receive a section winner's plaque, and will be entered into the WPIAL tournament.  If three or more teams tie for first place, only those teams will qualify for the playoffs.

In the event of a multiple team tie (two or more teams) for a playoff position, head-to-head competition will be the first determinant.  If head-to-head does not break the tie, the following tie breaking system will be used.  If three or more teams are tied for second place and the tie breaking system identifies one team as the second place team, the remaining teams will be then tied for third place and the process begins all over with head-to-head competition being the first determinant for establishing the third place team.  If a tie cannot be broken all tied teams will enter the playoffs.

TIE-BREAKING SYSTEM

a.  Section won-lost records of the tied teams will be compiled.
b.  The team with the best numerical head-to-head section record among the tied teams will enter post-season play.
c.  If the tie cannot clearly be broken, all tied teams will enter post-season play.

In all section matches and WPIAL competition, the seven-man team concept will be followed.  Each team will have three singles players and two teams of doubles players for each match.  No player can participate in both singles and doubles on the same day.  A player can be changed from singles play on one day to doubles play for the next.  All teams must field a minimum of six players.  Failure to field six players will result in a forfeit victory for the opponent, provided that they have at least six players ready to play.  In one team has six players and the opponent seven, the third singles match is forfeited and all other matches play.  If both teams have only six players, play will be at first and second singles and both doubles.  If the team match ends in a tie, a USTA twelve point tie breaker will be played between the first singles players (for that day) to determine the team winner.  No substitutes will be permitted in the tiebreaker.

Coaches must play their best player of the three singles players designated for each match at the number one singles position, second best at number two, and third best at number three.  The same format must also be used in placing doubles teams in the lineup.  If injury or illness should occur before a match, a player will be "moved up" to the next highest position in the lineup and the substitute player will take the lowest spot remaining.  Forfeits will be awarded only in case of injuries or illness after a match has started.  Once THE WRITTEN LINEUP has been presented the same players must play at these positions.  Inability of a competitor to play will result in a forfeit.

When possible, postponed matches must Be played in order of postponement and scheduled on the first common open date.  Make up WPIAL section matches must have preference over exhibition matches, JV, and junior high matches.  When possible, all matches postponed during the first half of the season must be rescheduled and played prior to the beginning of the second half (April 1st).

 CLASS AAA - 35 TEAMS

Any questions or comments should be directed to Athletic Director Bob Bozzuto at:  bbozzuto@northallegheny.org