Strath Haven's Tessa Lyons takes tennis title

Tessa Lyons, perhaps Southeastern Pennsylvania's most recognizable girls' tennis player, has been simply unbeatable.

The Strath Haven junior's latest show of dominance came yesterday at the Arthur Ashe Tennis Center in Philadelphia.

Lyons took a 6-2, 6-0 victory over Radnor's Lauren Bridges in the PIAA District 1 Class AAA singles' final.

Not only did Lyons win her second consecutive district title, but she improved to 17-0 on the season. Yesterday also marked Lyons' third victory this season over Bridges, her close friend and stiffest competitor.

Both players, along with Radnor's Christina Grimaldi and Lower Merion's Devi Jadeja, advanced to the state tournament in Hershey. Grimaldi captured third place yesterday when Jadeja could not play due to an unspecified injury.

Lyons will face District 3 third-place finisher Cara Wirth of Wilson in the first-round match Oct. 31. That same day, Bridges (14-3) will challenge District 4 champion Cassie Bowman of Crestwood.

"I'm so happy now," Lyons said of successfully defending her district title. "It's off my chest."

Huh? The 16-year-old was heavily favored to win the title. Is she really trying to pass for an underdog?

"You always have that [pressure] when you are the No.1 seed," Lyons said. "You are supposedly the best there. You are supposed to win.

"But I can handle that now. It's not new. Given the one spot, you should be a good player to handle it."

Lyons' reaction had more to do with being relieved to be back on the court. She waited two weeks to play after beating Jadeja in the semifinal. To say she was anxious would be an understatement. At most practices, Lyons thought only about winning another district title.

"I wanted to get it over with," she said. On Tuesday, "I was thinking a lot about it. You know, I waited two weeks to finally play this one match. Finally, it's here."

A little rusty, Lyons played uncharacteristically tight in the first set. Unfortunately for Bridges, the top seed was back in her comfort zone in the second set.

"She just played the way she usually does," Bridges said. "She is a really tough opponent. She did what she usually does."

In the doubles competition, Wissahickon's Rachel Fein and Katie Kennedy took a 7-5, 7-5 victory over Pennsbury's Lauren Rossi and Tara Krouss in the District Class AAA final.

Both teams advanced to the state tournament in Hershey.

Wissahickon will face District 3's third-place team, Manheim Township, on Oct. 31. That same day, Pennsbury will challenge Williamsport, the District 4 champion.