North Penn’s Yanni claims SOL Continental singles title

He improved his fitness, he improved his power.

He trained relentlessly.

After coming within a few swings of a conference crown a year ago, this season Frank Yanni made them with authority.

“It felt really good,” the junior said of capturing the Suburban One League Continental Conference title on Friday. “I had to be aggressive and stay focused.

“Going in as the No. 1 seed,” he said, “it felt good to meet the expectations of everybody and also my own.”

Yanni battled past Central Bucks West’s Dale Johnson in the semifinals, turning it on in the second set to win 6-4, 6-1.

Then in the finals, Yanni was consistent throughout in a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Souderton Area’s Evan Delp.

“I fought hard the whole time,” Yanni said. “Winning the conference was a goal of mine, one of the goals I’ve set for this season.”

Another comes this weekend at the District One Singles Championship. The seeding meeting was held Tuesday night, with Yanni having a chance of landing a top-eight seed.

“I’d love to make it onto states and win a couple rounds there,” he said.

As a sophomore, Yanni went into SOL Continental’s as the No. 2 seed, reaching the final.

“I played a good set, lost unfortunately but I learned that I have the game, that I could play well against guys at that higher level,” he said. “(On Friday) I played freely. I was aggressive.”

District singles get under way Friday at the Healthplex in Springfield, with the Class 2A and 3A first and second rounds. On Saturday, the 2A Championship will be held as well as the third and fourth rounds for 3A.

The 3A Championship and Consolation Matches are scheduled for May 13.

North Penn first seed Frank Yanni returns a volley from Abington’s Greg Zlobinsky on Wednesday, March 22, 2017. (Bob Raines/Digital First Media)