All-Area: Daliy Local News Girls Tennis All-Area Teams

Singles

First Team

Kylie Kochis, Fr., West Chester Henderson — The first-year player made quite the splash by winning the Ches-Mont League National Division, beating beating teammate, Ella Tunnell, then finishing third in the districts, losing to eventual champion Esha Velaga of North Penn.

Sophia Koons, Sr., Downingtown West — The senior finished with a 22-8 mark for the season. She defeated Courtney Carberry of Chichester in the first round of districts, then was beaten by Allison Root of Owen J. Roberts in the quarterfinals.

Kate Emmanuel, Soph., Conestoga — The sophomore was second in the Central League championships, falling to Leina Ciarrocchi of Radnor. Emmauel notched a big win for the Pioneers in the team championship final against Unionville. She won her first match at districts before falling to Mia Matriccino of Spring-Ford in the second round.

Meera Seghal, Sr., Unionville — The sophomore is a real student of the game according to her coach, Janet Johnston. “Meera is a very, very smart player who driven to do her best and to get the best out of her ability.” She was named to the Ches-Mont League American Division first team.

Doubles

Ella Tunnell-Sophia Ming, West Chester Henderson — The pair won the Ches-Mont National doubles crown for the second time with a straight sets victory over Sophia Koons and Alyssa DeHart of Downingtown West. They placed third at districts, advancing to states, where they made it to the semifinals. The duo eventually fininshed fourth.

Leena Kwak-Ananya Krishnan, Conestoga — The pair went unbeaten in the regular season, then took that momemntum into the districts. They went all the way to the finals, but were defeated in an exciting three-set match by Methacton’s Hana Nouaime-Alice Liang. History repeated itself at states as they were again beaten by the Methacton duo in the final. “Leena and Ananya have a bond that is so admirable,” said coach Brittany Aimone.

Sophia Koons-Alyssa DeHart, Downingtown West — The two had a banner postseason, reaching the finals of the Ches-Mont National tournament and got to the second round of districts. “As a doubles team, they only played in the Ches-Mont National Doubles Tournament and the District 1 Doubles Tournament,” said West coach Justin DePietropaolo. “They had played together last year as well, but this year they really focused on putting the ball away at the net and being aggressive. This allowed them to get to the finals of our league tournament and the second round of districts.

Second Team

Singles

Catherine Stone — Unionville

Mabel Qui — Great Valley

Alyssa DeHart — Downingtown West

Doubles

Jaclyn Santaguida-Faith Ilgner — Unionville

Emma Stanislawczyk-Allie Stanislawczyk — Unionville

Bella Chen-Felicia Manful — Conestoga

Kiera Koay-Kaitlyn Evans — West Chester Henderson

Sonali Lotlikar-Rea Lotlikar — Downingtown West

Coach of the Year

Brittany Aimone — Conestoga

Conestoga has been a tennis power for a long time and another chapter of that history was written this year by Aimone and her players. The Pioneers waltzed through their schedule, finishing 22-0 and winning the district and state titles, beating Unionville in both. Aimone also oversaw the team of Leena Kwak-Ananya Krishnan to second-place finishes at districts and states. The run to the state crown was so dominant, the Pioneers lost just three times in four matches. “On our team, everyone is viewed as an equal,” said Aimone. “We are a team first and foremost. We stand in solidarity with one another. I believe it’s that sisterhood and family atmosphere that we create that contributes the most to our success. I try to create a culture where respect, kindness, humility and grace are values that are embodied by every player on the team, day in and day out. These girls are truly a family.” The team will suffer some graduation losses this spring, but buoyed by the return of Kate Emmauel, among others, the dropoff may not be severe.