Tigers Claw Past Panthers, 4-1
The North Allegheny girls’ tennis team continued its winning ways with a 4-1 triumph at Franklin Regional on Tuesday afternoon.
The non-section match marked the return of senior Sara Fernandez, who has spent the majority of the season out of the lineup due to an injury. Fernandez won her first set against Ellen Liu at No. 1 singles, 6-2, before dropping the next two sets in a hard-fought effort, 6-4, 12-10. The return of Fernandez adds another key piece to the NA lineup ahead of the WPIAL playoffs next week.
Elsewhere in singles play, senior Laeticia Wessel and sophomore Audrey Zheng prevailed at No. 2 and No. 3 singles, respectively. Wessel defeated Michelle Yan by a 6-3, 6-2, decision. Zheng earned a 6-1, 6-2, win over Rachel Poltinnikov.
The NA doubles teams were successful on the day as the No. 1 pairing of Tia Soussou and Siya Jain, and the No. 2 tandem of Rebecca Murphy and Kailtlyn Zeman earned wins. Soussou and Jain topped Lucy Zheng and Makinzie Marcus, 6-3, 6-0. Meanwhile, Murphy and Zeman delivered a 6-1, 6-0, victory against Anika Jadia and Ghania Malik.
With the win, North Allegheny improves to 15-1 overall.
Girls Tennis Summary vs. Franklin Regional, 10-3-23
| Match Summary | NORTH ALLEGHENY - 4 FRANKLIN REGIONAL - 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| SINGLES | ||
| #1 | Ellen Liu (FR) def. Sara Fernandez (NA) | 2-6, 6-4, 12-10 |
| #2 | Laeticia Wessel (NA) def. Michelle Yan (FR) | 6-3, 6-2 |
| #3 | Audrey Zheng (NA) def. Rachel Poltinnikov (FR) | 6-1, 6-2 |
| DOUBLES | ||
| #1 | Tia Soussou/Siya Jain (NA) def. Lucy Zheng/Makinzie Marcus (FR) | 6-3, 6-0 |
| #2 | Rebecca Murphy/Kaitlyn Zeman (NA) def. Anika Jadia/Ghania Malik (FR) | 6-1, 6-0 |
