Quaker Valley tennis team ‘paid their rent’ during season to remember

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, November 10, 2024 | 11:01 AM

Christi Hays, Quaker Valley’s veteran tennis coach, is known to use famous quotes at times when discussing the Quakers’ program.

She recently offered the following: “There is a great J.J. Watt quote that goes, ‘Success is not owned, it is leased, and the rent is due every day.’

“Well, the 2024 Quaker Valley girls varsity tennis team certainly paid their rent this season. I could not be more proud. It was a phenomenal season.”

The Quakers finished as Section 5-2A champions with a 6-0 record, took first place at the MAC championships, were WPIAL finalists, won the WPIAL doubles tournament, placed fourth in the PIAA and finished 16-3 overall.

“What is left to be said?” Hays said. “The season was all we hoped it would be, a truly special season. We were a deep, talented squad. The ladies all got along so well and supported each other. They were also unselfish about getting playing time, which is one of the biggest challenges for a coach: finding enough time for all the players and maintaining a competitive level.

“We also had tremendous support of our fans, our invaluable JV coach, Annette Knott, other students, siblings, parents, grandparents and the community.”

The centerpiece of the team actually was two-fold: Kirsten Close, a senior fourth-year starter, and freshman sensation Avery Allan.

“I’m really proud of my team for how we did this year,” Close said. “I really had such a good time. I think everyone, including me, are really happy we finished in the top 4 in the state.”

Close finished with a 20-1 record in 2024 with the one loss being a withdrawl because she was two days out of the hospital and could not continue playing.

Close competed at Sewickley Academy as a freshman and sophomore, then played at QV for two years after transferring to the Beaver Street school.

“I’m so happy to be able to play tennis on a team all four years of my high school experience,” Close said. “Being part of a team really brings you together with people you would never normally get to know, and it creates the best sisterhood. I honestly wouldn’t want to have my experience gone any other way.”

Allan also lost just once in 2024 as one of the elite freshmen in Western Pennsylvania.

“My freshman season has been awesome,” Allan said. “Our season has been one for the books. Our team did very well in the state tournament. We made it to the semifinals and that is something to be extremely proud of.

“The girls on the team created such a fun and positive experience, and I have definitely made many memories with them that will last a lifetime.”

Other returning starters from last year’s section-winning squad were senior Jay Olawaiye, juniors Jane Lenhard and Parker Barnes, sophomore Hannah Stein and junior Livia Jobbins.

“We picked up two quality players in freshmen Avery Allan and Kate Miller,” Hays said. “We went into the season with high hopes based on the fact that we had Kirsten eligible for the whole season — after being a transfer student and not eligible for postseason play last year.

“Our first order of business was to win our section. We were hoping to repeat, but the ladies and I knew it would be a challenge because the Class 2A realignment had Sewickley Academy back in our section for the first time in a few years. SA had won their section 16 years in a row. Even though we didn’t have Kirsten at full strength, we defeated Sewickley, 4-1. And the train that was the 2024 QV girls varsity tennis team had left the station.”

Close suffered through some serious health challenges and was in and out of the hospital for weeks. Her court time was severely limited.

“She struggled to regain her previous level of play,” Hays said, “but she showed such great heart and played through until she was back at full strength. It was truly a comeback story that was remarkable to watch. And the rest of the team rallied around her.”

QV finished as the WPIAL Class 2A runner-up after participating in the title match with North Catholic that essentially came down to one point.

“In hindsight, it was probably a great wake-up call,” Hays said, “and sent us into the PIAA tourney with a new sense of urgency. Our next goal was to make it to Hershey.”

The Quakers took care of business in their first match in the PIAA tournament, blanking District 9 champion Elks County Catholic, 5-0.

“We stopped for ice cream on the way home,” Hays said, “and looked forward to packing our bags for a fun trip to Hershey.

“We knew we were going to have a good trip when we saw that our favorite driver Ed was going to be our driver. Not only is he an excellent driver, but he’s also a good luck charm.”

The talented QV netters were all business against District 3 titlist Berks Catholic in the quarterfinals. Close, Allan and Olawaiye won in straight sets, and Lenhard and Jobbins added a bonus point at No. 1 doubles.

QV’s No. 2 doubles tandem of Barnes and Stein lost a close match 6-3, 7-6 (4).

The Quakers advanced to the final four, where they lost to District 2 winner Scranton Prep, 3-0. Scranton Prep eventually earned the PIAA runner-up spot.

“The officials suspended the match because Scranton Prep had secured three points and the victory,” said Hays, who added, “I am so proud of our nonstarters, Keira Cowher, Emaan Ashfaq, Noor Ashfaq and Mae Kruawangmon, who took advantage of the varsity time they got but also made themselves available for the JV matches when needed.

“And even though they weren’t available to travel to Hershey with the team, they stayed in contact and sent lots of support.”

Looking ahead, Allan undoubtedly will replace Close at No. 1 singles in 2025. After that, it’s anybody’s guess as to how QV’s venerable tennis coach will fill in the rest of the lineup.

“We are losing a lot of seniors,” Allan said, “so it’s very hard to predict what our team will look like (next year). However, I’m confident we will work very hard in the offseason.”

Tags: Quaker Valley