Tigers open 2026 season with shutout of Upper St. Clair
by: Dom Gliozzi
On a post-card perfect day in Wexford, the North Allegheny girls tennis team opened their 2026 season with a strong showing, defeating Upper St. Clair 5-0 in 3A exhibition play. Featuring a balanced lineup of starters with two freshmen, two sophomores, two juniors, and one senior, the Tigers won each match in straight sets and displayed a strong competitive spirit. The first match was completed at number one singles, where freshman Winni Hayward made her varsity debut and controlled play from the start with a versatile skill set that resulted in a 6-1, 6-2 win. The second team point came appropriately from the number two doubles team of senior tri-captain Remi Hayward and junior Medha Thirumala who also dominated with set scores of 6-1, 6-2. The third, and match-clinching point, was fashioned from the racquet of third singles tri-captain junior, Mia Kaufman, who produced masterful shots at key moments to take a hard fought 6-3, 6-4 contest.
Rounding out the successful day, tri-captain sophomore Sammy Leeman used her speed and tenacity at number two singles to win 6-3, 6-2 in a match that saw her deliver multiple service breaks and exceptional strategy deployment. The fifth point came from the grittiest match, at number one doubles. Sophomore Ruoxi Bai and freshman Sophia Yu grinded their way through a 7-5, 7-5 contest that saw the young duo compete together for the first time and work through the many challenges of playing at first doubles. Topping off the day, junior Alexa Richey saw action at exhibition singles and took care of business, 6-0.
Lady of the Match honors go to freshman Winni Hayward, who not only made her varsity debut at the number one singles slot, but also set the tone for a resounding team win against a quality opponent. Winning the first team point in a dominant fashion with an exceptional array of shots, Hayward demonstrated an exceptional game that will evolve and mature dramatically with future experience.
The 1-0 Tigers return to action Thursday as they host Shady Side Academy in another exhibition contest, this time with the defending 3A WPIAL Champions. Match time is scheduled for 3:30 PM on the NASH courts.
Girls Tennis Summary vs. Upper St. Clair, 8-25-26
| MATCH SUMMARY | NORTH ALLEGHENY - 5 UPPER ST. CLAIR - 0 | |
|---|---|---|
| SINGLES | ||
| #1 | Winni Hayward (NA) def. Lily Angus (USC) | 6-1, 6-2 |
| #2 | Sammy Leeman (NA) def. Laila Hamade (USC) | 6-3, 6-2 |
| #3 | Mia Kaufman (NA) def. Sara Telang (USC) | 6-3, 6-4 |
| DOUBLES | ||
| #1 | Ruoxi Bai/Sophia Yu (NA) def. Catalina Ramirez/Ahana Mendhi (USC) | 7-5, 7-5 |
| #2 | Remi Hayward/Medha Thirumala (NA) def. Hanna Qian/Gloria Wu (USC) | 6-1, 6-2 |
