ST. MARYS – Elk County Catholic edged Bradford High 3-2 in the
District 9 Class AA girls tennis team championships Monday.

The Lady Owls’ Melissa Simon and April Soriano earned wins in
the No. 1 and 2 singles matches, as Simon downed Meghan Geci 2-6,
6-1, 6-2 and Soriano turned back Katie Friedl 7-6(4), 3-6,
7-6(3).

“Both Meghan Geci and Katie Friedl lost to first-rate
competitors Melissa Simon – who played inspired tennis – and April
Soriano, who refused to yield even after losing the first set by
winning a tiebreaker for the last set,” said ECCHS coach John
Brock. “Sara Meier was in a thorny match against Kate Cohen but
gritty, courageous, steady play and her mental focus allowed her to
beat a dangerous opponent.

“Doubles carried the day early on with first-time partners
Dominique DeFrain and freshman Kaitlyn Geci, even though they were
broke twice in the first set. Dom’s strong serve seemed to be the
biggest weapon and decided the match. Kaitlyn played a strong
second set to secure the straight-set victory,” Brock
continued.

“Laralee Geci and Katie Goetz were swift and decisive in their
straight-set match. Laralee’s agility at the net and Katie’s
near-perfect backhand were key.”

St. Marys defeated Johnsonburg in the other semifinal.

Elk County Catholic moves on to the finals to face the Lady
Dutch at 3 p.m. next Monday.

ECC 3, BAHS 2

Singles

Melissa Simon (B) beat Meghan Geci 2-6, 6-1, 6-2

April Soriano (B) beat Katie Friedl 7-6(4), 3-6, 7-6(3)

Sara Meier (E) beat Kate Cohen 7-5, 7-6(4)

Doubles

Dominique DeFrain and Kaitlyn Geci (E) beat Sara Eger and Erika
Oliver 7-5, 6-2

Laralee Geci and Katie Goetz (E) beat Katrina Vecellio and
Leslie Shallop 6-1, 6-0