Saturday, October 20, 2012
Both the doubles team from Cardinal Mooney and Allison Pavlansky, a singles player from Canfield, fell in straight straights Friday at the girls state tennis tournament in Columbus.
Mooney juniors Dominique Cicchi and Jamie DiDomenico were defeated 6-4, 6-0 by Alex Griebling and Nicole Dragos of Lexington in Division II.
“Going down there is a great moment,” Mooney coach Jimmy Leslie said.
It was nerve-wracking, too.
“It’s hard to prepare mentally for such a big match,” Leslie said. “State only comes around once a year. We may have had a mental breakdown and got a little fazed by such a big stage.”
Cicchi and DiDomenico trailed just 4-3 in the first set, but were stung by strong serves.
Just getting there, though, is an accomplishment in itself. And Leslie is confident his girls will use the experience to ensure a repeat trip to the outdoor courts at Ohio State. With all seven starters returning for 2013, there’s a good chance some other Cardinals can join them.
“Yeah,” Leslie said. “It’s something that’s bittersweet. Losing does give a taste in your mouth to give it another try. We can be sad in the moment, but hopeful that we’re set up for a run next year.”
Pavlansky lost to Dublin Jerome’s Lauren Bellinger, 6-0, 6-4 in Division I.
“I watched her whole match,” Leslie said. “She started out slow.”
Pavlansky went up early in the second set before Bellinger caught her at the end.
“She was playing very well and I though she had a good chance to hold on and pull it out,” Leslie said.
Leslie has been a longtime advocate of tennis in the Youngstown area and is optimistic that other teams can rebuild and get a taste of the state glory.
“I’m proud to say that Youngstown can compete with the Cincinnatis, the Clevelands and the Columbuses of this state,” he said. “We have some great tennis players here in town.”