Mirror file photograph
District 6 2A singles champion Marley Ratchford returns for Central Cambria.
By Nate Ritchey
nritchey@altoonamirror.com
The Altoona Mirror protection space is primed to be a superb one for each groups and people in ladies tennis this fall.
Hollidaysburg went 21-1 final season and, regardless of shedding two of its high three gamers, returns loads of expertise and expertise to defend the District 4-6 Class 3A workforce crown.
The Woman Tigers welcome again Altoona Mirror first-team sophomore Crosby Denis, who superior to the 3A championship in singles play and gained the doubles title, and sophomore Grace Muriceak, who was honorable point out.
Central returns loads of expertise that would result in the most effective seasons at school historical past.
First-team senior Julia Ritchey teamed up with second-team senior Brooklyn Coppersmith to say the District 6 Class 2A doubles title.
Central Cambria, which fell within the title match of the District 6 Class 2A workforce championship, welcomes again first-teamer Marley Ratchford, who beat Ritchey for the District 6 Class 2A singles crown final season.
Additionally returning for the Woman Crimson Devils is second-team junior Lydia Paskowski and honorable point out member, senior Allie Morgan.
Altoona has again two Mirror second-team members in Bella Graham and Courtney Irwin, whereas Tyrone has 11 skilled gamers returning amongst its 15 on the roster.
The next is a capsulized take a look at the women tennis groups within the Mirror’s core protection space:
Altoona
Coach: Jake Colledge, fourth yr
Profession document: 65-35
Final yr’s document: 10-3
Convention: Impartial
Returning starters: Seniors–Oriana Dent, Isabella Graham, Courtney Irwin, Triumph Kilmartin. Sophomores–Evelyn (Andie) Adams, Skylar Irwin.
Different returners: Seniors–Madison Marketta, Kaylee Swain, Mary Worley.
Newcomers: Juniors–Isabella Holmberg, Melissa Krainer, Miyah McDonough. Sophomores–Mariah Harris, Emilee Vo. Freshmen–Natalie Baker, Ryleigh Campbell, Audrey Douglas, Emma Hovan, Claire Lengthy, Adalia Lopez-Oakes, Addison Mitchell, Ava Williams.
Strengths: “Expertise. We now have a stable basis of returning starters in Bella Graham, Courtney Irwin, Andie Adams and Skylar Irwin who’ve loads of match play expertise. The addition of freshmen Emma Hovan and Addison Mitchell will be a part of seniors Oriana Dent, Kaylee Swain, Triumph Kilmartin, Mary Worley and Madison Marketta to the lineup. We’re additionally excited in regards to the variety of newcomers to this system and their growth.”
Considerations: “Climate and forming doubles groups.”
General outlook: “As all the time, we glance to compete and win District 6 titles and advance to the state playoffs.”
Assistant coaches: Miriam Colledge, Kristen Lucas, Brett Mitchell
Central
Coach: Shaun Coppersmith, second yr
Profession document: 10-7
Final yr’s document: 10-7
Convention: Laurel Highlands Athletic Convention
Returning starters: Seniors–Brooklyn Coppersmith, Julia Ritchey. Juniors–Kate Dunn, Zoe Grill. Sophomores–Breslyn Beech, Taryn Walters.
Different returners: Juniors–Lila Kyle, Abbi Smith, Brooke Smith. Sophomores–Gabby Decker, Aubry Eckman.
Newcomers: Freshmen–Kaylee Barroner, Erin Brumbaugh, Hailey Fries, Violet Hale, Laura Longwell, Kara Weidlich.
Strengths: “I really feel our largest power this season is that we now have just about the identical starters that we had final yr. We solely misplaced one starter final season and the women have one other season underneath their belt. We now have loads of ladies on the high and backside which are shut in taking part in skill. That makes it good and provides you confidence to maneuver them up a spot if a participant is out.”
Considerations: “The one concern that I actually have is that we keep targeted and wholesome till the season is over. As soon as the season begins, we play three matches per week, and that may actually put on the women down. So, the toughest factor is to complete the season robust.”
General outlook: “I believe this could possibly be the most effective groups that our program has had in a very long time. Final yr, we had two ladies win beginning spots that had been very younger to the sport and solely have been hitting for over a yr. We had been a fairly younger workforce final yr so our principal aim was to simply get higher each time we stepped on the courtroom. That’s nonetheless our aim day-in, day-out. Final yr we completed within the high 4 within the LHAC and misplaced within the first spherical because the No. 2 seed within the District 6 playoffs. So, the women made it their aim to win the District 6 title this season.”
Assistant coach: Paul Keller
Central Cambria
Coach: Kim Cavalier, ninth yr
Profession document: 114-20
Final yr’s document: 11-4
Convention: Laurel Highlands Athletic Convention
Returning starters: Seniors–Ally Morgan, Marley Ratchford. Junior–Lydia Paskowski. Sophomores–Madison Deitz, Taryn Ream.
Different returners: None
Newcomers: Freshmen–Leah Bowersox, Kat Kubat, Chloe Sandoval, Daisy Smith.
Strengths: “We now have 4 robust returning starters who’ve been taking part in and have the expertise we have to take us into the season. We’re excited to see how our newer gamers’ progress. A couple of have performed earlier than and are wanting to get began.”
Considerations: “We now have a smaller workforce this yr with our roster being made up of some gamers who’re new to the game and haven’t performed competitively.”
General outlook: “With our high 4 returning starters, we really feel we may be aggressive. We’re excited to get began and see how we progress and develop via the 2024 season. We’re wanting ahead to having an awesome season.”
Assistant coach: Shane McGregor
Hollidaysburg
Coach: Brian Denis, twenty fourth yr
Profession document: 627-122
Final yr’s document: 21-1
Convention: Laurel Highlands Athletic Convention
Returning starters: Senior–Sarah Neatrour. Sophomores–Crosby Denis, Grace Muriceak.
Different returners: Seniors–Lily Grosser, Katie Klingner, Grier Morris, Meghan Nelson, Sarah City, Sophia Zangrilli. Sophomores–Taylor Eardley, Emma Mortiz, Olivia Panaro, Sandy Zheng.
Newcomers: Junior–Anh Chau. Freshmen–Jillian Buffone, Claire Cummings, Selina Dong, Brooklyn Klingner, Diana Rybka, Rina Stiffler, Adele Theys, Lainey Williams.
Strengths: “Nice senior management from our seven seniors. Attitudes and willingness to get higher each day have been superior. The ladies have actually good workforce chemistry and work properly collectively. We now have loads of gamers who performed in varsity matches final yr although they technically weren’t starters.”
Considerations: “Changing 4 extraordinarily proficient gamers that graduated — two of that are taking part in school tennis. Hoping our schedule is aggressive sufficient to have us peaking round playoff time. Our opponents’ roster sizes are very small, so looking for alternatives for all 22 gamers to get some match expertise.”
General outlook: “Final yr was the most effective seasons we now have ever had as we earned the Laurel Highlands championship, District workforce championship and district doubles title. We must work extraordinarily arduous all season to attempt to replicate final yr. We now have some large openings in our roster to fill, and time will inform if we put in sufficient work within the offseason to succeed in our targets. Navigating the bigger colleges in District 6 will once more be powerful, however by the tip of the season, we hope to be the most effective colleges within the state for our enrollment.”
Assistant coach: Amanda Denis
Tyrone
Coach: Randy Irvin, twelfth yr
Profession document: 108-180
Final yr’s document: 6-8
Convention: Laurel Highlands Athletic Convention
Returning starters: Senior–Emma Witkamp. Junior–Nicole Ramsey. Sophomore–Ezri Bumgarner.
Different returners: Senior–Mariah Miles. Juniors–Emily Christofer, Bella Laird, Jamis Maceno, Jenna Watson. Sophomores–Jocelyn Diehl, Cassidy Fleck, Grace Zimmerman.
Newcomers: Seniors–Maryiah Hunter, Cami Weyer. Junior–Aliyah Smith. Sophomore–Ava Cunningham.
Strengths: “We now have 11 returning gamers from final yr’s workforce and a complete of 15 ladies on the workforce. We now have a really athletic and hardworking group of ladies. The brand new ladies are all choosing up the sport in a short time, and it will give our workforce some extra depth.”
Considerations: “Our largest concern is getting the women ample courtroom time due to the climate and our very early match schedule.”
General outlook: “We’re excited to get out and play some tennis towards different colleges.”
Assistant coaches: Daybreak Irvin, Jim Klesius
