Bradley tops OJR’s Lee for singles crown

PHILADELPHIA >> For Downingtown West senior Payton Bradley, who captured the PIAA District One 3A singles tournament championship Wednesday morning at Legacy Youth Tennis and Education Center, her most vivid memory of the tourney didn’t have anything to do with her own performance.

“My best memory of the tournament was watching my younger sister Jordan qualify for States,” said Bradley. “After my match against Conestoga’s Ashley Griffith (in the district quarterfinal), I saw Jordan beat (two-time Central League singles champion) Nina Hoog to qualify – it was a great match.”

Ironically, Bradley then faced

her sophomore sister Jordan in the district semifinal, winning 6-2, 6-3.

“It was fun playing Jordan, I was just enjoying the moment when I played her, and it wasn’t too serious – I didn’t want to go home after the match and have us hating each other,” said Payton, with a laugh.

Before facing Jordan, Bradley had to get by Conestoga’s Ashley Griffith, whom she beat 6-1, 7-6 (7-3).

“Ashley played a phenomenal second set, putting the ball away left and right,” said Bradley. “I had to play aggressively and keep the ball away from her.”

Bradley then faced Owen J. Roberts’ Meredith Lee in the finals.

“Meredith and I are best friends,” said Payton. “Last year, we were on the same team (at the USTA Junior Team Tennis 18 and Under National Championships in Cayce, S.C.) The key to (my victory against Lee) was probably that I stayed consistent. Meredith is good with pace; I knew I had to keep the ball in play. If I hit the ball hard and flat to her, she would be hitting the ball back to me harder and flatter.”