The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Emma Peeler Westlake, Senior
It’s a four-peat for the Demons’ ace, and Peeler saved the best for last. Qualifying for the state meet every season, Peeler ended her career at Westlake on the podium, placing fourth in Ohio for Division I. And on her way to her best postseason finish, Peeler did what she has always done: simply dominate. The Westlake senior posted a 32-7record this season, including an unblemished 11-0Southwestern Conference record, claiming the first singles SWC title en route to conference MVP honors. This is not the end of Peeler’s tennis career, though, as she will continue her career at Ball State.
COACH OF THE YEAR Saumil Jhaveri Westlake
It is entirely possible to catch lightning in a bottle once. However, sustained success is something much harder to achieve, yet that is exactly what Jhaveri has done with the Westlake program. For the second-straight season, the Demons claimed the Southwestern Conference crown and advanced three athletes to the state tournament. Yes, there is indeed something to be said for having a roster loaded with talent. And Westlake undoubtedly has that. But having the proper coach to guide the talent is a must as well if a program is to see success. That is the type of coach the Demons have in Jhaveri.
FIRST TEAM
(In alphabetical order)
Ally Cui, Sr., Lake Ridge
The Royals’ first singles player went 12-2 in dual matches, placing second at LCAAA in first singles. Lost in the second round of the D-II Rocky River sectional to Laurel’s Julia Bowman, who advanced to the sectional quarterfinals.
Bianca Henline, Jr., Avon Lake
The LCAAA first singles champion went 19-7 during the regular season, losing only to topnotch competition such as Emma Peeler and Sarah Robertson all year. She placed third in the Southwestern Conference and advanced to the D-I Oberlin sectional quarterfinals.
Demi Jhaveri, Sr., Westlake
The Valparaiso commit went 31-8 during the regular season at second singles, claiming the Southwestern Conference Title at the same spot. Made the transition to doubles for the postseason, teaming with Ashley Michelich to claim a sectional title, place second at districts and advance to the state tournament, losing in the first round.
Lauryn Leslie, Jr., Fairview
Placed fourth at the D-II Rocky River sectional to qualify for the Northeast District tournament, where she fell to district champion Rylie Hanford from West Geauga.
Ashley Michelich, Sr., Westlake
Went 30-7 during the regular season at third singles, claiming the Southwestern Conference Title at the same spot. Made the transition to doubles for the postseason, teaming with Demi Jhaveri to claim a sectional title, place second at districts and advance to the state tournament, losing in the first round.
Otilia Oita, Jr., North Olmsted
Advanced to the D-I Oberlin sectional quarterfinals before falling to state qualifier Olivia Rondini of Magnificat.
Sarah Robertson, Sr., Rocky River
The Denison commit leaves the Pirates as one of the best ever. She claimed her fourthstraight GLC Championship en route to MVP honors, then advanced to district play for the second straight year. She departs Rocky River as the career wins leader with 92.
Kierstyn Yates, Jr., Midview
Went 20-7 overall with a 6-3 SWC record, losing only to fellow Morning Journal first team members Otilia Oita and Bianca Henline as well as Player of the year Emma Peeler. Placed third in first singles at LCAAA and fourth in SWC. Advanced to the third round of the D-I Oberlin sectionals.
SECOND TEAM
(In alphabetical order) Victoria Collins, Sr., Elyria Catholic: Advanced to third round of D-II Rocky River sectional. Jamie Coughlin, Sr., Avon Lake: LCAAA third singles runner up and SWC second doubles champin with Elisabeth Lendal. 18-6 overall record. Advanced to third round of D-I Oberlin sectional. Lydia Erwin, Fr., Bay: Advanced to third round of D-I Oberlin sectional. Lauren Hickey, Sr, Rocky River: Advanced to third round of D-I Oberlin sectional. Sarah Khwaja, Sr., Avon: Advanced to third round of D-I Oberlin sectional with partner Katie LeHoty. Katie LeHoty, Jr., Avon: Advanced to third round of D-I Oberlin sectional with partner Sarah Khwaja. Hanna LeMaster, So., Avon: 10-5 overall at second singles. Third place SWC. Advanced to third round of D-I Oberlin sectional Tessa Pickering, Sr., Midview: 22-4 record at second singles. LCAAA second singles champion and third place in SWC. Advanced to second round of D-I Oberlin sectional.
HONOR ROLL
Amherst: Nicole Sanoba, Makayla Schreiber; Avon: Alyssa Mclellon; Avon Lake: Elisabeth Lendal; Bay: Isa Hinojosa; Elyria: Gabrielle Peloquin; Elyria Catholic: Amaya Kender; Fairview: Samantha Mei; Lake Ridge: Vi Yen Blackwood, Liz Navratil; Midview: Jessi Jones, Morgan Rose; North Olmsted: Sydney Bates North Ridgeville: Eve Figueroa; Olmsted Falls: Gabby Gosciewski; Rocky River: Lauren Hollis; Vermilion: Karsyn Brewer; Westlake: Jackie Wong