Brownsville falls to McGuffey in opener
With three or four teams figuring to be in the mix for the third and final playoff spot in Section 1-AA, gathering as many victories as possible, especially against those particular teams, could be the deciding factor. The Brownsville girls tennis team opened the section on the road Monday at McGuffey, and the Lady Highlanders got the early upper hand with a 4-1 victory over the Lady Falcons.
The lone victory for the visitors came at No. 1 singles with Angie Pelehac defeating Alyssa Kuhn, 6-1, 6-0.
The Falcons’ Alyssa Conner dropped a 6-4, 6-3 decision at No. 2 singles to Abbey Newton, and Kendall Connors put up a fight at No. 3 singles before losing in two sets, 7-6 (8), 6-4, at No. 3 singles to Gail Donley.
Rachel Rihaly and Brittany Remington lost at No. 1 doubles, 6-3, 6-2, and Lexi Rohlf and Megan Yocavet dropped a 6-4, 6-3 decision at No. 2 doubles.
Coach Dan LoNigro said the singles trio is set, but the doubles are more flexible, perhaps match-to-match.
“The doubles are in the air. We have five seniors (three returning), and we added seven freshmen to the mix,” said LoNigro. “We have a lot of inexperienced players coming in.
“Rachel Rihaly and Valerie Columbia should be No. 1 doubles. There are six girls in the mix for the No. 2 doubles spot.”
The schedule tests the Lady Falcons early with a home match against perennial power Greensburg Central Catholic on Wednesday and a road match Thursday at Mount Pleasant, another Section 1-AA contender.
“Greensburg Central Catholic is the team to beat once again. Mount Pleasant had a real talented freshman last year, and they’re always good,” explained LoNigro. “Southmoreland, Derry, McGuffey, and us will be fighting for the third spot.
“You have to take care of your home court. Now, we have to hope McGuffey loses to somebody.”
To win those key matches, LoNigro said, “We have to win at least two of three singles matches. We don’t want to put (a match) on the No. 2 doubles’ shoulders.”