Tigers win seventh straight, shutout Shaler
by: Dom Gliozzi
North Allegheny continued section play on a brilliantly sunny Monday afternoon against neighboring rival Shaler Area, and walked away with a shutout victory on their home courts. The Titans, led admirably by veteran coach Brian Duermeyer, showed their mettle by competing commendably on each scoring flight, but the Tigers prevailed by a 5-0 score.
After first-singles starter freshman Winni Hayward secured the initial team point, junior Mia Kaufman from third singles followed suit a mere 12 seconds later, according to the official team timer. Clinching the match out of the 2nd doubles position was the splendid combo of senior Remi Hayward and Medha Thirumala. Following the fourth point at second singles, the number one doubles team of sophomore Ruoxi Bai and freshman Sophia Yu finished the last and longest match in fashionable fashion. Competing against the talented “Grace Sisters,” Ms. Grabowski and Ms. Fischer, Bai and Yu staved off their opponents, especially in highly contested points, to take a 6-2, 6-0 victory.
Second singles provided the Lady of the Match honor, as speedy sophomore Sammy Leeman posted the 4th team point from second singles play, where she too contributed a straight set win. Consistency and a willingness to ‘stretch’ her game served Leeman well in her match.
The Tigers improve to 9-1 (5-0 in section play) and pause team action for several days as the WPIAL 3A Section 2 singles tournament begins Wednesday. All nine teams from the section will send two players to compete for 2026 season honors and for qualification to the WPIAL Singles Tournament. Representing the Tigers in the two-day tourney are fabulous freshman Winni Hayward and super sophomore Sammy Leeman. Remember to check in with the North Allegheny Sports Network to catch up on tournament updates. Play is scheduled for 11:00 AM on the NASH courts.
Girls Tennis Summary vs. Shaler, 9-14-26
| MATCH SUMMARY | NORTH ALLEGHENY - 5 SHALER - 0 | |
|---|---|---|
| SINGLES | ||
| #1 | Winni Hayward (NA) def. Brooke Bankowski (SA) | 6-0, 6-0 |
| #2 | Sammy Leeman (NA) def. Emily Stevens (SA) | 6-0, 6-0 |
| #3 | Mia Kaufman (NA) def. Kortney Remley (SA) | 6-0, 6-0 |
| DOUBLES | ||
| #1 | Ruoxi Bai/Sophia Yu (NA) def. Grace Grabowski/Grace Fischer (SA) | 6-2, 6-0 |
| #2 | Remi Hayward/Medha Thirumala (NA) def. Philomena Tortorea/Lucy McClean (SA) | 6-0, 6-0 |
