In the fall, after an impressive win over Masterman Girls Tennis (5-0) in the first round of States, Lower Moreland advanced to compete in the state championships in Hershey, PA. The Girls Tennis team flourished and was unstoppable this season under the direction of Coach Cliff Raben and Assistant Coach Andrea Needham, maintaining their undefeated record throughout the season and advancing to the PIAA States competition. The team was represented by first singles player, Hannah Kideckel; second singles player, Rebecca Kideckel; third singles player, Abigail Yanovitsky; first doubles players, Anya Yang and Lisa Ross; and second doubles players, Catherine Lemiasheuski and Ava Shapiro.
Lindsay Kasner, Rebecca Kideckel, Hannah Kideckel, Catherine Lemiasheuski, Anya Yang, Ava Shapiro, Lisa Ross, Abigail Yanovitsky, and Ellie Chartock all pose with the PIAA Finalist Trophy. (Left to Right)
In the quarterfinals at Hershey on October 27th, Lower Moreland faced Jersey Shore High School. All singles players were victorious over their experienced opponents, and the doubles teams did not finish. The team advanced to the semi-finals the next day.
The morning after their victory in the quarterfinals, the team celebrated by taking a trip to Hershey’s Chocolate World and shopping. Everyone, including both coaches, had a blast!
In the afternoon, the team was preparing to face Knoch High School, a formidable opponent to whom Lower Moreland lost in the semi-finals of the PIAA competition in the fall of 2022. It was a challenging competition overall, but the team was again victorious. Victories were claimed by both doubles pairings and the second singles player.
Afterward, players had a well-deserved break for dinner and relaxation.
During the finals matches, Lower Moreland faced its most formidable opponent yet, Scranton Prep. The girls played fearlessly, with all of the matches too close to call, but unfortunately, in the end, Lower Moreland lost to the best team they had played all season. The overall record for the Lower Moreland Girls Tennis team was (18-1) which is highly impressive, with the only loss the entire season to the eventual PIAA 3A Champion, Council Rock South, even though the match was not a league contest.
Lower Moreland Girls Tennis team was recognized as one of Pennsylvania’s best 2A Girls Tennis teams on October 28, 2023. They received a PIAA runner-up trophy, and each player was presented with a silver medal.
Even though the Lower Moreland Girls Tennis team lost in the Finals, their unparalleled contribution to school sports for the last three years helped Lower Moreland High School earn the 2022-2023 PIAA Sportsmanship District I Award, which is highly prestigious. The PIAA award is proudly displayed in the Lower Moreland gym.
Undoubtedly, the Lower Moreland Girls Tennis team has a lot of potential and a great chance to be victorious next year!
