Norwin girls tennis eager for extended postseason run

By: Karen Kadilak
Friday, August 23, 2019 | 8:28 PM

The Norwin girls tennis team looks forward to a longer run in the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs after early exits the past two seasons.

Second-year Norwin coach Diane Pesarsick said all starting players practiced in the offseason.

“They’ve all worked really hard, and it shows,” Pesarsick said.

Senior co-captain Ashley Pesarsick, the coach’s daughter, said the Knights, who opened the season last week, are bonding.

Diane Pesarsick said Ashley, who plays first singles, has an amazing serve, great footwork and serious top spin.

Junior Trinity Miller, the second singles player, has improved in all aspects.

Sophomore Jenna Beach is one to watch at third singles.

“(Beach is) very athletic and talented, fast on her feet,” Diane Pesarsick said.

Senior co-captain Samantha Stinner and sophomore Sydney Pesarsick, also Diane’s daughter, return to first doubles, where Stinner said they are working harder.

At second doubles, junior Isha Vyas has excellent ball placement, and sophomore Jordan Napierkowski has improved significantly with her ground strokes, the coach said.

Senior Tegan Lochner and freshmen Sadie Cuturilo and Abigail Campbell are new to the team.

The Knights reached the playoffs last season despite losing Maria Santilli, a two-time WPIAL Class AAA and one-time PIAA singles champion. Santilli is a sophomore on the Cincinnati women’s team.

Led by Santilli, the Knights went 8-1 and placed second in Section 1-AAA in 2017 under then-coach Ryan Hornick.

Last season, the Knights dropped to 5-3 and finished fourth in the section.

Tags: Norwin