By Tom Robinson, NEPASportsNation.com
KINGSTON – Susan Arp from Abington Heights and Ilana Rosenthal from Wyoming Seminary followed different paths, but each wound up capturing a District 2 girls tennis singles title Oct. 18 at the TK Tennis Academy without ever losing a set.
Arp and Rosenthal won two indoor matches each, a day after starting the tournament outside at Wilkes University and Kirby Park.
It took four victories and a pair of second-day challenges, including a championship match against her teammate, for Arp to emerge victory in District 2 Class 3A.
Rosenthal made it through five matches, beating opponents from Scranton Prep in the two final-day matches, securing the District 2 Class 2A title in dominant fashion.
Arp had to get through tie-breaker sets to navigate her final day. She topped Crestwood’s Hannah Ziegler, 7-6 (7-0), 6-1, in the semifinal to get a match with Rina Hanumali.
Together, Arp and Hanumali had captured last season’s district doubles championship and this season had served as the No. 1 and No. 2 singles players while leading Abington Heights to the District 2 Class 3A team championship.
Arp needed a comeback late in the second set to get through a long match with a 7-5, 7-6 (7-5) victory.
“We’ve been practicing together all year,” Arp said. “I obviously have to play my best against her, but we’re still friends, so it’s hard.”
Rosenthal defeated the top two singles players from the Scranton Prep team that had beaten Wyoming Seminary in a battle of unbeaten league champions for the District 2 Class 2A team title.
After making it through four matches, including the semifinal against Leelah Farrell, without losing a game, Rosenthal rolled to a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Alyssa Wigley.
The victory continued an unbeaten high school season for Rosenthal, who credited tournament experience outside of high school events with advancing her game.
“I worked really hard for this individual district title,” said Rosenthal, the No. 1 singles player as a freshman last year when the Blue Knights won a state championship. “I’m really excited.”
Wyoming Seminary coach Raphael Cooper said the title is a reward for long hours put into the game.
“It’s no secret; it’s the dedication she puts in,” Cooper said. “The kid wants to do this.
“It’s a dream for her to be D-I. She’s practicing every day.”
The District 2 singles and doubles champions advanced to be among the final 16 in the state for the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Championships Nov. 4-5 at the Hershey Indoor Racquet Club.
MORE COVERAGE
Early-rounds story: Arp, Rosenthal advance to semis – NEPA Sports Nation.
Singles results: District girls tennis singles results – NEPA Sports Nation
Doubles story: ‘Paupack, Sem teams take doubles – NEPA Sports Nation.
