Already eight matches in with a 7-1 record, the Beaver Area girls’ tennis team is having a great season. Would you expect otherwise?

But not typical of the tennis season, the team is under the new leadership of Coach Janet Ditullio.

Coach Ditullio (herself a former Bobcat tennis star) was originally the JV girls’ tennis coach, but she has moved up to varsity coaching this year since the retirement of longtime coach Riley Baker. Baker began coaching the girls in 1985.

In their section matches, the team beat South Fayette, Seneca Valley, Ellwood City, Riverside, Beaver Falls, Neshannock, and Central Valley, but their only loss came from Sewickley Academy August 31.

Aside from those matches, the team also competed at a quad match against Moon, Bethel Park, and West Allegheny where junior Chloe Desanzo earned first place out of all first-singles players.

The team placed second overall at MACs. Desanzo and freshman Anna Mrkonja won; seniors Lily Pruszenski, Ella Peluso, and junior Mia Woodske were finalists.

Desanzo also placed second at section singles September 14 and 15. She also went to WPIAL singles but lost in the second round September 21.

About the season, Peluso said, “I’m impressed with how [well] this season is going, especially since we have such a young team overall.”

Overall, our Bobcats tennis team is absolutely “serving” this season. The team only has Blackhawk left this afternoon at home before section doubles matches and playoffs begin—and hopefully end in Hershey in PIAA play.

Be sure to wish them good luck! Go cats!