Latrobe girls tennis young, ‘really good’

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Monday, September 3, 2018 | 7:42 PM


The Latrobe girls tennis team (2-0 in Section 1-AAA) is a paradox.

Wildcats coach Michelle Stas said even though there are more freshmen than typical, there is experience.

“I am expecting to make it into playoffs and hopefully be successful in advancing past the first round,” Stas said.

Freshman Jenna Bell, sophomore Addison Kemerer, freshman Caroline Walters and senior Gianna Ferry are the top players.

Bell, a junior, is ranked 11th among players in her class in Pennsylvania by Tennis Recruiting Network.

“In all honesty, all of the girls are really good,” Stas said.

Ferry believes the Wildcats, the defending section champion, have a good chance of winning WPIAL and PIAA titles. Kemerer is the top returning player.

She placed second to Norwin’s Maria Santilli at the section singles championship tournament and qualified for WPIALs last season. Santilli was the WPIAL champion.

Kemerer and Maddie Stas teamed for the section doubles title.

The Tennis Recruiting Network ranks Kemerer 15th in her class in Pennsylvania.

Kemerer said she welcomes the freshmen.

Latrobe last won the WPIAL title in 2005. The Wildcats lost in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs after going 9-0 in the section last season.

Karen Kadilak is a freelance writer.

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