New faces on North Allegheny girls tennis team aim for another successful season

By: Ted Sarneso
Sunday, August 25, 2024 | 11:01 AM

The North Allegheny girls tennis team had a successful 2023 season, finishing as WPIAL runners-up and advancing to the quarterfinals in the PIAA playoffs.

The season started with 12 straight wins, and the Tigers finished with a 19-3 overall record and went an undefeated 7-0 in Class 3A Section 2.

“I was very proud of the team,” said coach Michelle Weniger. “Winning our section is always the No. 1 goal and making the WPIAL finals was a huge feat. Making it to states was icing on the cake.”

The team’s quest for a fourth consecutive title begins with a roster that has seen some turnover and sports many new faces.

Graduating seniors Sara Fernandez, Laeticia Wessel, Tia Soussou, Siya Jain and Rebecca Murphy leave holes all over the starting lineup as does the loss of 2023 freshman Peyton Mauser, who will miss the 2024 season due to injury.

“Those seniors provided a lot of leadership and experience that we’ll miss,” said Weniger. “Peyton reached out to say she was dealing with a chronic injury and wouldn’t be able to try out for us this year. Fingers crossed we have her next year, but she will be greatly missed.”

This season, the Tigers roster is comprised of two seniors, three juniors, one sophomore and three freshmen. Senior Kaitlyn Zeman and juniors Audrey Zheng and Ella Mangene are the only players with true varsity experience.

“We’re a young team this year,” said Weniger. “A lot of them don’t know my coaching style or my philosophy. It’s going to take some matches for us to get to know each other. All I can do is provide them with scenarios and situations that will help develop them into what we expect from our tennis players here at NA.”

Zeman, Mangene and senior Kelly Tai are the team’s captains and will provide leadership to a young team, but all are excited for the talent that the Tigers underclassmen possess.

“The team’s really good,” added Zeman. “We have a bunch of young girls but still have a group with enough experience over the last two years.”

“The freshmen’s technical part of their game is amazing,” said Mangene. “As captains, we just need to figure out how to help them along, to make sure they succeed so the team succeeds.”

Zeman slots in as the team’s No. 3 singles player and Tai will see time as a doubles player.

This is Tai’s first time on varsity as she missed last year to a wrist sprain after spending time on junior varsity her first two years.

“I spent my offseason strengthening my forehand, which was weak after the injury,” said Tai. “I also focused on being more consistent with my ground strokes. I’m excited to be back.”

Headlining the young Tigers is freshman Mia Kaufman, who excelled in her tryout and earned her way to the No. 1 singles spot.

“At the start of every year, varsity spots are open to competition,” said Weniger. “Every player competes in challenge matches in order to earn a spot. Mia worked hard and dominated in all her matches.”

Fellow freshmen Alexa Richey and Medha Thirumala also had strong showings and both will figure in on doubles.

“Alexa was a pleasant surprise and will play No. 1 doubles for us,” said Weniger. “Medha is a very strong player and although there is a lot of talent above her, she also earned her way and deserves her spot.”

Both will pair with Mangene at some point this season. Mangene, who was dual rostered, played singles matches for the JV last year as well as seeing time up on varsity. She will be primarily a doubles player this season.

“She’s the fireball of the team,” said Weniger. “She brings a lot of energy and excitement. I’m happy to have her and look forward to her development.”

“Last year I learned a lot,” said Mangene. “I played in some varsity matches and those I didn’t compete in, I sat with the coaches and they coached me through the other girls’ matches to see the game from a different point of view.”

Zheng returns for her second year on varsity. She will play No. 2 singles. Junior Cynthia Li was on varsity last year, not as a starter, but will be a solid performer at No. 1 doubles.

“Audrey is a very strong player both physically and mentally,” said Weniger. “She’s very consistent. Cynthia worked extremely hard for her starting spot, and I’m really excited to see what she can do.”

With a balance of young players filled with excitement and motivation and veterans who have plenty of experience to teach, the Tigers will hope to repeat once again as section champions.

“Before the season, I tell my teams about all the teams that have come before them and the successes they’ve enjoyed,” said Weniger. “It gives the girls incentives and lets them know what their playing for.”

“All I ask is my girls give us everything they have, do the best they can, and my hope is that we’ll be highly competitive and successful,” added Weniger.

Tags: North Allegheny