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Singles matches highlight South’s win over Hamburg

BRETT R. CROSSLEY/Sun-Gazette Correspondent South Williamsport’s Lauren Peck returns a shot near the baseline during Tuesday’s opening round of the PIAA Class AA Tennis Team Championship against Hamburg at the West Branch Tennis Club.

With crowds cheering and focused squarely on the final two singles matches, Lily Summerson took centerstage with teammate Lauren Peck. It came down to both players winning their singles matches in order for South Williamsport to advance.

Summerson played an outstanding match and fought off a late rally against Allison Bashore of Hamburg. Peck was charged with keeping Haley Gravish at bay as their match determined the outright winner.

Peck was challenged throughout the final points, but she managed to claim a 7-5 (1) win in the final set to give South Williamsport a 3-2 win over Hamburg in the first round of the PIAA Class AA team tennis tournament at West Branch Tennis Club on Tuesday.

“Lauren is a player who is very consistent,” South Williamsport coach Theresa Summerson said. “She has been steady for us all this year. She has a fighting spirit that she just wanted to get to one more ball and you saw that today.”

Peck just wouldn’t go away. She even gave up multiple points to give Gravish a chance to get back into the match. Gravish forced a tie-breaker, but Peck continued to play her game and eventually won the match.

“Her opponent really stepped it up in the second set,” Summerson said. “Lauren was able to stay the course and play that consistent tennis.”

Olivia Dorner had another quick showing as she seemed to pick up where she left off after helping her team win the District 4 championship and herself by winning the individual championship.

Dorner rarely struggled in her match, if at all. She was once again dominant with her serve and returned everything sent her way as she cruised to a 6-0, 6-0 win.

As Dorner pushed her way through her singles match both groups of doubles struggled as Hamburg picked up wins in both of the matches. Zoe Jackson and Ella Livorno fell to Meredith Haas and Sarah Kramer in the No. 1 doubles match 6-1 6-1. Alayna McGovern and Jen Bowman were able to win two games in their opening set against Breanna Ulrich and Alison Gassert before falling 6-2, 6-0.

“We have relied on them all throughout the season,” Summerson said of her singles players. “Of course our two doubles team helped us get here in districts. I’m glad to see that other girls got a chance to shine and help us at the end of the season.”

PIAA Class AA Team Tennis Championships

South Williamsport 3,

Hamburg 2

SINGLES

1. Olivia Dorner (SWt) def. Lauren Shebby, 6-0 6-0; 2. Lily Summerson (SW) def. Allison Bashore, 6-1 6-4. 3. Lauren Peck (SW) def. Haley Gravish, 6-2 7-5 (7-1).

DOUBLES

1. Meredith Haas and Sarah Kramer (H) def. Zoe Jackson and Ella Livorno, 6-1 6-1; 2. Breanna Ulrich and Alison Gassert (H) def. Alayna McGovern and Jen Bowman (South Williamsport), 6-2 6-0.

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