On October 25, the 2025 LM girls’ tennis team captured the PIAA State Championship title for the second year in a row, beating Conestoga High School 3-1. Once again undefeated this season, the team traveled to Hershey, PA and took home the trophy, after first winning the quarter finals against Hollidaysburg High School and semi-finals against Shadyside Academy. Thanks to an influx of young talents and unstoppable team spirit, this year’s roster was equally strong as last, if not stronger.
The Aces lineup consisted of three singles players and two double teams. At the forefront of the team was Jasmine Taylor ’28, the #1 ranked female player in Pennsylvania, who plays a pivotal role at first singles, the very top position on the team’s roster. When asked about how she handles the pressure on the court, Taylor explained, “I have to remind myself that there is always a way to win the match, and if I don’t apply myself 100 percent, then I’m going to lack that sense of fulfillment. Taking risks and trusting my training is my main strategy, as it allows me to leave the court every time with satisfaction and zero regret about how I played.”
Alongside Taylor were twin sisters Shaila and Eden Anolik ’27, who played in the second and third spots on the team’s singles lineup. Both are known for bringing relentless consistency and unwavering mental strength to each match.
While the singles players’ strong performances set a high standard, the Aces’ States doubles teams (pairs of two players who compete together) proved that they are equal forces to be reckoned with. The doubles teams, led by first doubles partners Sydney Lancaster ’27 and Camille Cohen ’27, in addition to underclassman second doubles partners Renate Burri ’28 and Emme Hoffman ’29, have reliably delivered win after win this year, demonstrating strategic gameplay as well as unbeatable communication skills on the court.
Varsity captains Hope Simon ’26, Ella Chen ’27, and Sydney Lancaster ’27 guided the team all season, setting the tone for focus, spirit, and most importantly, team unity. They were confident the Aces would take the Championship after the electric season. As Chen put it, “Our goals are to keep team culture strong and spirited but ensure that everyone remains humble. We want to show how hard work during intensive practices and late-night away matches, all in the midst of a highly demanding schedule, pays off. Sydney and I all got to experience the addictive energy of States last year, and were beyond excited to share incredible memories with many of the underclassmen who had yet to experience the unmatched environment this year.”
The team began preparing for the upcoming season throughout the spring, where players trained with the LM boys’ team at the same time as sharpening individual skills like aggressive net poaching, where players try to attack the net to end points quickly, and strategical serve variety: a useful tactic to keep opponents off balance. They also competed in the annual Mixed Doubles Tournament, a fun competition where boys and girls are partnered together, with Chase Pearlman ’26 and Sasha Smith ’27 claiming a hard-earned victory. This tradition is not only a fun break from serious matches and regular training, but it also helps players strengthen communication skills on the court, an essential aspect of doubles, where teamwork and strategic decision-making can decide the outcome of any match.
Over the summer, from early July to the start of the preseason, the team captains organized optional practices where the Aces faced a rigorous week of challenging matches and skill-oriented practices centered around finalizing second doubles and locking in the rest of the varsity lineup. This decision was not easy, especially with the amount of overlapping talent present on the team. In fact, the amount of parity across the roster forced the team to attempt a rotational style throughout the entirety of the season, where many players had the opportunity to compete in at least one varsity match and play with different doubles partners.
The regular season began just a week later, beginning with away matches against Wissahickon High School, Council Rock North High School, and Marple Newtown High School. Despite the long bus rides, the Aces rolled through their early competition with confidence and efficiency, refusing to allow the distance to rattle them.
Momentum only built from there. Remaining undefeated, the Aces took care of several key rivals, including Radnor High School, Harriton High School, and Conestoga High School. The Aces faced Conestoga first in the District Finals before States and proudly brought the District Championship trophy back to LM for the second consecutive year.
The team was also excited to set the first Districts and States back-to-back championships for the first time since the early 2000s. Lancaster offered insight into the team’s special qualities that keep them winning no matter what, noting that “The girls always support each other on and off the court, regardless of our results in matches. We are trying to savor and enjoy every moment we have together as a team, as our season is incredibly short.” The team’s growth over the past year—both on and off the court—has shaped them into the humble, focused, and unified group that was ready for States. It’s rare to find a team with this mix of elite tournament players, tight-knit doubles teams, and underclassmen already stepping into pressure-filled roles. The Aces are more mentally and physically prepared than ever before, with our incredible season serving as an introduction to bigger stages, stakes, and recognition. “We weren’t just chasing a trophy at States; we were hungry to create a legacy.”
