The Beaver Area girls’ tennis team worked hard this season, and that hard work showed until the end.

With a successful record (12-2) under their belts finishing third in the WPIAL and first in their section, the team exited the first round of the PIAA girls’ team tennis tournament against the Lady Dutch of St. Mary’s October 21 with a score of 3-2.

Beaver’s two wins were thanks to the doubles teams: Fiona Rubino and Lilly Pruszenski, and the pair of sophomore Ella Peluso and senior Cindy Liu.

Though this loss was tough, the girls still have a positive outlook. Michelle You, a senior member of the team, shared:

“I’m really glad I tried out for tennis my sophomore year of high school, and I’m extremely grateful for all my supportive teammate and all the amazing players I’ve had a match with. Even though the season has ended, tennis will always be something I can look forward to doing in my free time!”

Liu is satisfied: “Out of all the years I’ve played, this year has been my favorite. I’m still improving more and more each day, and it has been an honor playing for the school, I love my coaches—Riley [Baker], Barry [Borza], and Greg [Peluso]—and my teammates.

For now, the girls can hang up their racquets and reflect on the truly incredible season they worked so hard to complete. Under the fantastic leadership of head coaches Riley Baker and Janet DiTullio (JV) assisted by Coaches Borza and Peluso, the girls are guaranteed to see success in the coming years.

Olivia Rabak, also a senior, feels hopeful for the team in the coming years.

“It was an overall great season,” said Rabak. “The team really bonded not just as players but as friends too, and I think that helped us go so far. There’s a bright future for Beaver tennis.”