Back-to-back: Lower Merion boys’ tennis squad repeats PIAA 3A team title

The Lower Merion High School boys’ tennis team won the PIAA 3A state championship May 21, repeating as two-time undefeated state champions, compiling a 47-0 (24-0 in 2021, 23-0 in 2022) record in the two year span.

Lower Merion defeated Conestoga 4-1, in the PIAA 3A state finals, making it the third matchup between both teams this season. At first singles, Justin Yi defeated Justin Xu, 4-6, 6-1, 1-2 (ret.); at second singles, Brian Yi defeated Rohan Rao, 6-3, 6-1; and at third singles, Mark Lancaster defeated Aaron Sun, 3-6, 3-4 (ret.).

At first doubles, Stoyan Angelov and Adam Lee defeated Manas Dhawan and Basil Lubiniecki, 6-1, 6-2; and at second doubles, Scotty Stuart and Charlie Bittinger lost to Vincent Yao and Raphie Lubiniecki, 6-4, 4-6, 0-6.

A few hours prior to the championship final, the Aces defeated Palmyra 3-0, to advance to the finals. At first singles, Justin Yi was leading Aidan Mahaffey, 6-2, 4-2 (did not finish); at second singles, Brian Yi was leading Tyler Mahaffey, 6-3, 3-2 (did not finish); and at third singles, Mark Lancaster defeated Aidan Mark, 6-0, 6-1.

At first doubles, Stoyan Angelov and Adam Lee defeated Nolan Ciesielka and Cole Heisey, 6-0, 6-1; and at second doubles, Scotty Stuart and Charlie Bittinger defeated Othello Vida and Casey Heisey, 6-0, 6-0.

Conestoga defeated Dallastown 3-0 in the state semifinals, winning their first singles and both doubles positions. 

The Aces advanced to the state semifinals by defeating Shady Side Academy, 5-0, May 20. At first singles, Justin Yi defeated David Mnuskin, 6-1, 6-1; at second singles, Brian Yi defeated Sam Bitzer, 6-0, 6-0; and at third singles, Mark Lancaster defeated Chase Hartman, 6-1, 7-6(1). At first doubles, Adam Lee and Stoyan Angelov defeated Sai Chaudry and Siddarth Ramineni, 6-1, 6-1; and at second doubles, Scotty Stuart and Charlie Bittinger defeated Tommy Certo and Rob Brunins, 6-2, 7-6(4).