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HERSHEY — Wyoming Area freshman Brianna Pizzano’s storybook tennis season came to an end as she lost in the first round of the PIAA Girls Tennis Championships in Hershey on Friday.
Pizzano lost to Beaver High School (District 7) senior Anne Taylor 6-1, 6-0 in Class 2A action.
Pizzano entered the state tournament as one of two freshmen out of a field of 16 after winning the District 2 singles title last month at Kirby Park.
“I was really nervous going into states,” Pizzano said. “I knew the field was going to be tough and in the first set, I was extremely nervous and I tried to relax in the second set, but Anne was really tough and played very well.”
Pizzano who’s played in numerous junior tennis tournaments through eastern Pennsylvania and said states was the toughest challenge she’s ever faced in her career.
“This was a big learning experience for her and hopefully next year she has a good year and gets the chance to return to states,” fifth-year Warriors head coach Tiffany Callaio said. “Brianna now knows what competition is like at the state level and it’s up to her to have the hunger and motivation to get back here next year.”
Pizzano closes out her season with a 12-1 regular and 18-2 overall record.
Hazleton Area’s doubles team of Stephanie Mazurek and Lily Nowak defeated Altoona’s Lindsey and Maura Skelley 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 in first-round action.