Tigers suffer first loss at Shady Side Academy
by: Dom Gliozzi
North Allegheny navigated the northeast suburbs of Pittsburgh to reach Shady Side Academy for an early season showdown with the defending WPIAL 3A Team Champions. When the balls stopped bouncing, the Bulldogs defeated the Tigers by a 4-1 margin. All three singles players, junior Mia Kaufman, sophomore Sammy Leeman, and freshman Winni Hayward competed well in the individual games but fell in two-set matches. Each of the three Tigers players stretched their abilities but could not find the winning combinations they needed.
The two doubles teams split play and offered the most spirited contests of the day. The number one squad of sophomore Ruoxi Bai and freshman Sophia Yu lost two close sets by the same narrow 6-4 margin. A mix of winners combined with unforced errors made for a see-saw match that ultimately tipped in their opponents’ direction.
The Ladies of the Match honors go to senior tri-captain Remi Hayward and junior Medha Thirumala who won a three-set thriller against Shady Side’s number two doubles team of Elena Rubinov and Elizabeth Butera. After giving up the first set by a single service break, 4-6, Hayward and Thirumala stormed back immediately to dominate the second set 6-1. With the contest hanging in the balance, the NA second doubles duo was buoyed by the spirted cheers of their teammates. The result was a clinching set win of 6-2 that was highlighted by superb play including strong serves and returns mixed with excellent volleys, lobs, and a few well-timed half volleys. The doubles win rounded out the day for the Tigers.
The 2-1 Tigers return to action Tuesday afternoon for their first Section 2 match as they take on their mirror opponents, the Tigers of Moon Area School District, at Moon Park. The starting time is scheduled for 3:30 PM.
Girls Tennis Summary at Shady Side Academy, 8-31-26
| MATCH SUMMARY | SHADY SIDE ACADEMY - 4 NORTH ALLEGHENY - 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| SINGLES | ||
| #1 | Meriwether McCargo (SSA) def. Winni Haywrd (NA) | 6-1, 6-0 |
| #2 | Brooke Henderson (SSA) def. Sammy Leeman (NA) | 6-1, 6-1 |
| #3 | Cassie Lapina (SSA) def. Mia Kaufman (NA) | 6-3, 6-1 |
| DOUBLES | ||
| #1 | Alex Martel/Merielle Hooker (SSA) def. Ruoxi Bai/Sophia Yu (NA) | 6-4, 6-4 |
| #2 | Remi Hayward/Meha Thirumala (NA) def. Elena Rubinov/Elizabeth Butera (SSA) | 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 |
