For the first time in over fifteen years, the LM girls’ tennis team won the 3A PIAA State Championships on October 26. The LM girls fought long and hard for their title. Their journey started in August, with the girls competing in league and district matches, keeping their undefeated streak. Then, for the first time since 2005, the girls advanced to states, competing in numerous playoff matches. They have had a historic season, winning tournament after tournament, eventually becoming the Central League and District champions.
On October 22, the Aces dominated the first round with a 5-0 win against Cumberland Valley High School at Legacy Tennis Club. The matches were determined by the best of three sets. First singles, Jasmine Taylor ’28, won two sets 6-1 and 6-0, securing a victory early on, hitting winner after winner. Eden and Shaila Anolik ’27, second and third singles respectively, bageled their opponents, winning 6-0 and 6-0 in under an hour. Over on the doubles courts, first doubles Camille Cohen ’27 and Claire Minerva ’28 took home a win of 6-2 and 6-0. Second doubles Ella Hoffman ’25 and Sydney Lancaster ’27 won their court 6-1 and 6-0. LM only lost four games the entire match, proving their hard work and talent.
The Aces moved onto the quarterfinals on Friday, October 25. Shady Side Academy was no match for the LM aces, with the girls clinching a 4-1 win. First singles and third singles won their sets with ease, with matching scores of 6-2. Second singles suffered a tough loss, with a score of 1-6 and 0-6. First doubles dominated by winning 6-1 and 6-3, securing the win. Although the Aces took home three wins with ease, second doubles had a more challenging match, winning their first set 6-4, and battling through their second set, winning with a score of 7-5.
On Saturday, October 26, LM played Mt. Lebanon High School in the semifinals, taking home a 3-1 win. It was clear both teams were fueled by the desire to win, and the tension in the air was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Once again, Taylor won 6-1 and 6-1 and Anolik at 2nd singles suffered losses of 3-6 and 3-6. First doubles also won handily with a score of 6-0 and 6-3. Lower Merion was up 2 to 1, but both of the remaining matches were close battles. Spectators watched with bated breath, on the edge of their seats, as third singles and second doubles fought intensely for a win for their teams. After an intense set with plenty of cheers and prayers from the crowd, Anolik at third singles ultimately won with a score of 6-2 and 7-5. The girls were moving on to the finals.
Before playing, the girls were anticipating the coming match with apprehension, taking their mind off tennis with snack breaks, a group trip to the Hershey Lodge, and a meeting by the girl’s tree, a private spot near the racket club to discuss the game plan, a tradition passed down by the boys team. At 6:00 p.m., the girls lined up, facing their opposing team as the rules were read out and the girls shook hands. The Aces were about to play in the biggest match of the season. The matches started out smoothly, with every court winning games. However, Taylor at first singles fell behind one game, and the pressure to win the set weighed heavy on her shoulders as many spectators cheered for their respective teams. Anolik at second singles was also falling three games behind. Fortunately, they powered through and ended up finishing with set scores of 7-5, 6-2 for Taylor, and 6-3, and 6-2 for Anolik. Now, the attention was shifted to doubles, as they faced excessive cheering from the audience and their opponents. Cohen and Minerva at first doubles were able to strategize a win of 6-3 and 6-3, hitting spectacular poaches and alley shots, working together as a fluid team on the court to outplay their opponents.
The girls tennis team had just made history; they won the state championship for the first time in twenty years. The team rushed on the courts in jubilation and triumph. Tears were shed as they accepted their long-awaited trophy that was an amalgamation of their hard work and persistence. Their success and wins this season were not plucked from thin air. The team has worked tirelessly at practices, perfecting their strategy and shots, allowing them to shine during matches. Reflecting on her spectacular performance during competitions, Taylor stated, “I tried being focused on every point and I tried to limit my errors and go for big targets.” Doubles partnerships have flourished as well, and Cohen reflected on their success, saying, “Claire and I finally clicked as a doubles team, so… we’re able to execute the strategy well.”
The girls tennis team went from barely making the playoffs last year to being the number one seed after two standout freshmen joined the team. The girls’ coach, Harris Mailman, cited the success of the team to “two more freshmen in the top five of the ladder” as well as “exceptional senior leadership.” The three senior captains, Hoffman, Haves, and Cini have brought the team together as a family, supporting one another and leading the young talent on the team to victory after victory. Without the amazing captains, the team would not have been so unified and strong. LM girls’ tennis has gained a reputation for dominating every team in their path, making history as the undefeated state champions of 2024, and are looking forward to more spectacular seasons.
