Conrad Weiser’s Emma Perkins wins District 3 Class 2A singles title in girls tennis

Emma Perkins, a senior and top seed from Conrad Weiser, made an impressive mark in Berks County’s girls tennis history. She secured the District 3 Class 2A title with a decisive 6-0, 6-0 win over Sienna Castelli from Lancaster Country Day, the second seed and defending champion, in the final at Hershey Racquet Club.

Perkins now holds the distinction of winning four District 3 championships, adding the singles title to her three district doubles titles. Only two other players in Berks County have achieved this feat: Martha Blakely, who won four consecutive singles titles from 2004-2007, and Grace Blakely, who secured four straight singles championships from 1999-2002.

“Becoming a part of Berks County history means a lot to me,” Perkins commented. “I’m truly happy to have accomplished this personal achievement.”

In doubles, Perkins partnered with Alex Pancu in 2020, Michelle Timothy in 2021, and Victoria Waltz last year to claim victory. In the districts and states tournaments, players can choose to compete in singles or doubles.

The last time a Berks player triumphed in the singles category was in 2018 when Alexandra Jadic from Wyomissing emerged victorious in Class 2A.

Earlier in the month, Perkins joined the elite group of players who have won four BCIAA Flight 1 singles championships in Berks County. Martha Blakely and Cara Wirth from Wilson are the other two players who have accomplished this feat.

Perkins had an impressive run throughout the singles tournament, only losing three games in total. She defeated Ella Knox from Delone Catholic 6-1, 6-0 in the first round and Erin Sonon from Fleetwood 6-0, 6-1 in the quarterfinals on Friday. In the semifinals, she triumphed over Sophia Babar from Lancaster Country Day, the fourth seed, with a score of 6-1, 6-0.

“Emma’s dominance in the district tournament is a testament to her hard work and dedication behind the scenes,” said Conrad Weiser coach Ryan Knarr. “Winning four district titles places her among the greatest players in Berks County history. We are thrilled to see her compete for the state singles title in two weeks in Hershey.”

As Knarr mentioned, Perkins will now set her sights on the PIAA Class 2A tournament, which commences on November 3 at Hershey Racquet Club. This will be her first time competing in the singles category. In the past two years, she secured silver medals in doubles, partnering with Alex Pancu to win gold in 2020.

“As I prepare for states, I’m ready to give my all on the court,” Perkins stated. “I will continue to train and prepare for the upcoming state matches.”

Out of the five Berks qualifiers, Perkins was the lone player to advance to the states tournament.

Hamburg’s Mia Gassert narrowly missed out on qualifying for the third consecutive year, falling short in the third-place match against Sophia Babar with a score of 6-1, 6-3.

Gassert, the third seed, emerged victorious against Kylie Gerhardt from Lampeter with a score of 6-2, 6-3 in the first round and defeated Mia Schreader from Camp Hill 6-3, 6-1 in the quarterfinals. She was defeated by Sienna Castelli 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the semifinals.

Gassert, a junior, aimed to reach her third straight final but was defeated by Castelli with a score of 6-4, 6-1 last year.

Erin Sonon started strong with a 6-0, 6-2 win over Cassie Wang from Linden Hall before falling to Perkins.

Abby Davidheiser from Brandywine Heights was defeated 6-0, 6-0 by Sophia Babar in the first round.

Sarah Schnatz from Berks Catholic faced a tough opponent in Sienna Castelli, losing 6-0, 6-1 in the first round.