The girls tennis team made history this past Wednesday by claiming the first-ever WPIAL championship for girls tennis in school history.
“It is crazy being able to say that we are the first team in (school) history to win WPIALS,” said senior Emma Smith. “It is because of all of the hard work that everyone on the team has been putting in since we were in elementary school, and it’s awesome to finally be able to see all of our hard work pay off.”
At Washington and Jefferson College, the top-seeded Lady Hawks breezed through the finals with a 5-0 victory against North Allegheny.
First off the court was Emma Smith and Mackenzie at first doubles with a 6-1, 6-3 victory.
Next was Katie Peterson at third singles with a score of 6-2, 6-2.
Cami Fisher clinched the championship with a win of 6-4, 6-0 over North Allegheny’s first singles.
Although the match was already won, Bethel Park finished strong as Julia Gobbie and Cassie Sierka took the second doubles match at 7-6(3), 6-4.
Lily Sierka’s opponent retired in the second set due to injury, giving Bethel Park the 5-0 victory.
You always get told to find a way to leave your legacy, and this is definitely a memorable thing to leave with Bethel Park.
— Lexie Dorfner
Lexi Dorfner, another senior on varsity, agreed. When looking back on her four years as a whole, she added that “this team has grown level by level from my freshman year not even qualifying for WPIALS to losing the first round then placing third as a junior and now being WPIAL champions my senior year. You always get told to find a way to leave your legacy, and this is definitely a memorable thing to leave with Bethel Park.”
The girls look forward to attempting to continue their undefeated season into the state tournament.
“Our team being undefeated and winning sections and WPIALS has given us a gigantic confidence boost, and I think we are ready for the next challenge,” Cami Fisher commented.
On Tuesday, the girls tennis team will compete in the first round at a location to be determined. If they win, then they will play in the quarterfinals at Hershey that Friday, Oct. 27.
The team has high hopes of going far in states. It’s already been a historic season, and they would love to take it one step further.
As freshman Cassie Sierka said, “We are not finished yet.”