Shady Side Academy girls tennis locked in on WPIAL championship goal

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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Shady Side Academy sophomore Brooke Henderson can tell the Bulldogs are locked in on winning the WPIAL Class 3A girls team tennis title.

The program was already set to have a competitive lineup this season. Once Cassie Lapina, who won a section title at Pine-Richland last season, transferred in, the Bulldogs had plenty of athletes looking to make their mark in the lineup.

“Practices are vigorous and competitive,” Henderson said. “Everyone works hard and has fun.”

Shady Side Academy, which has five WPIAL crowns, last won the district in 2010. Last season, the undefeated Bulldogs were tripped up by Bethel Park in the WPIAL semifinals.

Shady Side Academy (11-0, 6-0) is once again undefeated this season and has Meriwether McCargo in the No. 1 singles spot. McCargo, a junior, won her third consecutive WPIAL singles title.

Bulldogs coach David Hasley said Shady Side Academy’s deep lineup has already shown signs they are on the right track.

“We beat Mt. Lebanon, 5-0, when they had beaten us the last three years, 3-2,” Halsey said. “That’s a good barometer of where we are and where we need to be to win WPIALs.”

McCargo brought the Bulldogs their first medals of the season while winning the section and WPIAL singles crowns. During the section final, McCargo beat Lapina, 6-2, 6-0. In the WPIAL final, McCargo knocked off Penn-Trafford’s Mia Williams for the third consecutive year.

“It’s definitely interesting,” McCargo said. “It makes it more nerve-wracking. Maybe she’s nervous this year or maybe I’m more nervous. I know what is coming for me and I know her weaknesses.”

McCargo, who plays a lot of tennis in USTA and UTR tournaments in the offseason, practices six days a week. She’s become adept at problem solving during matches.

McCargo is able to make changes during matches based on what her opponent is doing.

“I try to think, is my opponent making more mistakes or am I making more mistakes?” McCargo said. “I want to move my feet and be consistent. If they are hitting a lot of winners on me, I want to pick up the pace and pick up the ball deeper.”

Henderson has found a strong partnership by playing doubles with Alex Merkel. The pair won the section crown last season and finished second at WPIALs.

Henderson, who is from Stockdale, also goes for extra training in Upper St. Clair.

“We complement each other well,” Henderson said. “Having the fun mentality and positive attitude helps.”

With Lapina on board, Hasley expects the Bulldogs will be contenders for the WPIAL crown. He’s happy with how the program has worked Lapina into the lineup.

“The hardest part was navigating bringing her into the team, keeping everyone happy and committed to the same goals,” Hasley said.

Tags: Shady Side Academy