Tigers Send Two to Section 2 Semifinals
After a rain delay Wednesday morning, the WPIAL Section 2 Singles Tournament opened play on the NASH courts, and the play was outstanding and entertaining. The Tigers #2 singles player, junior Manas Kathir, was seeded third overall and faced West Allegheny’s Andrew Dudek in the first round. Kathir did not lose a game in the pro-set, winning 10-0. Sophomore Trey Davidson, the Tigers’ #1 singles player was named the first seed in the tournament and opened against Matteo Rovera of Pine-Richland. As did his teammate, Davidson won by a 10-0 margin
In the second round Kathir faced off against Brandon McEwen of North Hills in a match that was one of momentum. Kathir opened a 5-0 lead only to see McEwen bounce back with four straight wins. Kathir was up 9-7 and missed a match point, allowing McEwen back in the match at 9-9. Kathir then broke and held serve for a nail-biting 11-9 win. Davidson tangled with Jonathan Varghese of Sewickley Academy, the overall 9th seed, in the quarterfinals. Davidson took the contest by a 10-3 margin.
Wednesday afternoon, Chase Davidson with play Sewickley Academy’s Severin Harmon in one of the semi-final matches, while Manas Kathir will play Moon’s Anthony Lounder in the other semi. All four participants have qualified for the WPIAL Singles Championship to be played next week. Section 2 play is scheduled to begin at noon on the NASH courts.