Scranton Prep earns state championship

Oct. 29—Scranton Prep’s exceptional girls’ tennis team emerges victorious.

Alyssa Wigley, Lily Lengyel, and Emma Cuck sweep the singles matches, propelling the Classics to claim the PIAA Class 2A team championship and seize a colossal chocolate bar at the Hershey Racquet Club.

Under coach Kendra Croker’s guidance, Scranton Prep finishes their first season at 21-1, triumphing over District 10 champion Cathedral Prep, 3-2, in the semifinal, and District 1 champion Lower Moreland, 3-1, in the final.

Council Rock South secures the PIAA Class 3A team title with a 3-1 victory over Conestoga.

“This is absolutely mind-blowing,” exclaims Wigley, the team’s top-seeded singles player. “We dedicated ourselves fervently throughout the year, and achieving a state title seemed like an impossible dream.”

Lengyel, a remarkable freshman, secures the decisive win by conquering Rebecca Kideckel in a grueling three-set match at No. 2 singles. Despite losing the first set 6-1, she bounces back with a 6-1 win in the second set and a triumphant 6-3 victory in the third, ultimately sealing the championship.

“I was overjoyed when I won the match,” reveals Lengyel, whose record stands impressively at 25-2 in singles matches this season. “I believe this match showcased the pinnacle of my tennis skills this season, and winning this championship as a team brings me immense happiness. It was an incredible experience. I am immensely proud of my teammates.”

Wigley defeats Hannah Kideckel, 6-4, 6-1, securing her sixth victory in the PIAA team tournament over the past two seasons.

“I played the best tennis of the entire year,” asserts Wigley, whose singles record for the season stands at 25-2. “I am proud and grateful to my parents and teammates for their unwavering support. This team worked exceptionally hard and gave their all, and it all paid off.”

Cuck dominates at No. 3 singles. The sophomore vanquishes Abigail Yanovitsky, 6-1, 6-2, ensuring an undefeated singles run for the Classics in the state tournament.

“This is truly remarkable,” declares Cuck, who currently holds a spotless 21-0 record this season and boasts six singles wins in the state team tournament over the past two years. “Last year, we suffered defeat, but we bounced back this year and achieved this remarkable victory. I believe our success is largely due to our incredible team spirit. I was determined to win my match. In my first two matches this weekend, I started off slow. However, in the final, I began with great momentum.”

In the state semifinal, against District 10 champion Cathedral Prep, Wigley, Lengyel, and Cuck once again displayed their dominance.

At No. 1 singles, Wigley vanquished Anna Poraski, 6-3, 6-0. Lengyel defeated Finleigh Handzel, 7-5, 6-2. Meanwhile, Cuck overpowered Paige Patsy, securing a 7-5, 6-2 victory and contributing to the 3-2 overall win.

Ella Cohen and Grace Devine, along with Hannah LaCoe and Nicole Krakovich, showcased their skills in doubles for the Classics in the state tournament.

Scranton Prep attained an undefeated record in the Lackawanna League and emerged as the District 2 champions. The Classics embarked on the state tournament by securing a 3-2 win over District 11 champion Moravian Academy in the first round earlier that week, ultimately advancing to the Hershey Racquet Club for the weekend.

On Friday, the Classics exacted revenge by defeating Sewickley Academy, 4-0, following last year’s loss in the state quarterfinals.

Scranton Prep’s sole loss this season transpired in a nonleague match against The Lawrenceville School of New Jersey, succumbing to a 3-2 defeat on Sept. 22.

Wigley and Lengyel’s journey at the state level is far from over. The top two singles players emerged as the District 2 Class 2A champions in doubles. They will commence the PIAA tournament on Friday, facing off against Ella Knox and Baileigh Stetter of Delone Catholic, the second-place team from District 3.

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