On Tuesday, Sept. 26, players from each tennis team in the district traveled to Altoona to compete for the district singles title: State College, Hollidaysburg, Altoona, Central Mountain, Shikellamy, Mifflin County and Williamsport high schools all sent their top two players to compete. Altoona’s number one, junior Courtney Irwin, and number two, junior Isabella Graham, both made it past the first round. Irwin defeated Mifflin County’s number one and Graham defeated Central Mountain’s number two.
At the next level, the competition was heightened. Both Altoona girls were happy to have the opportunity to play competitive matches; however, they were unable to move to the next round.
Irwin went up against a freshman from Central Mountain who is currently ranked number one in the state in the quarter-finals.
“Well, I went into the match knowing I wasn’t going to win, but I tried to make the most of it. It was really cool getting to play someone who will probably go on to win States her freshman year,” Irwin said.
Tennis coach Jake College says he’s proud of how his girls competed, and he’s looking forward to seeing how the next matches play out.
Next Tuesday, Oct. 3, the competition will continue for district doubles. This time, Irwin and Graham will partner up on the court, facing off against the same schools. They will compete alongside senior Olivia McMinn and freshman Evelyn (Andie) Adams, the second district team.
“I am thrilled to play in District Doubles again next week,” Graham said.
This is Graham’s second year playing in the district competition.
Most of the girls in the district lineup played singles matches for the majority of the season. Now, they have been working at practice to convert their singles technique over to strong doubles focus instead.
“As a freshman, I’m excited to finish off my season playing in district doubles. It’s been a great season, and I’m hoping for good results to finish it off,” Adams said.
