Philadelphia - The Cardinal O'Hara Girls' Tennis Team took the Catholic League Title once again.  This is the second year in a row that the Lions won the Championship.

It was a perfect day weather-wise as both teams took to the courts at the Legacy Youth Tennis and Education Center in Philadelphia. To say this team was perfectly matched would be an understatement; both teams were equally qualified as contenders for the title.  The Lions went into Monday's match going against undefeated Lansdale Catholic.  The Crusaders' league record remained unblemished until yesterday. 

"It was so close," said Lansdale Catholic's tennis coach, Wendy Bradshaw. "We could not have been matched up to a better team."

As soon as the deciding court match was finished, the Lions gathered together in a celebratory team hug.  The Crusaders were not far behind and in unison as they approached the O'Hara team wished them a congratulations.  True sportsmanship and respect was displayed by both teams on and off the court.

The deciding factor for O'Hara laid in the hands of first doubles partners Cara Degnan and Nina Ji, both juniors.  After losing in the second set to Lansdale Catholic seniors Jackie Campbell and Nadia Schimony, the pair rallied back to tie at (5-5) in the third.

"They stepped up their game, were more aggressive and made their shots," said O'Hara's tennis coach Patricia Fitzgerald.

The duo won in three sets, (6-4, 1-6, 7-5).

Seniors Maggie Welsh and Olivia Ayres played second doubles against LC's seniors Angela Whittam and Karley Manzo. This match also went to three sets, (3-6, 6-4, 6-2).

"After losing in the second set, they were determined not to lose in the third. They communicated well and played more consistently making few errors,” said Fitzgerald.

Anna Marie Degnan, a freshman at O'Hara, won at first singles in two sets against LC's senior Molly Smith. (6-3, 6-3).

"Anna lost last time we played LC but was determined to play her best today. By focusing on her ground strokes more, she was able to play a match with very few errors," Fitzgerald said.

Second and third singles players, Lions' seniors Melanie Anderson and Laura Onimus, had very long and close matches against LC's seniors Caitlin Hoos and Zac Zhu. Anderson finished in three sets, (7-5, 4-6, 1-6). Onimus finished in two, (0-6, 5-7).

"Both played extremely tough and the points were long" Fitzgerald said.

This was a rebuilding year for O'Hara's top five positions after losing six seniors last year in first, second, third singles and firsts doubles.

"The girls really stepped up, improving their game. They were ready for today's match," said Fitzgerald.