Freshman Cianciola powers Canfield tennis team

By Brandon Judeh

sports @vindy.com

CANFIELD

Although Canfield High freshman tennis player Hannah Cianciola is their No. 1 singles player, that hasn’t stopped teammates from reminding her she’s just a freshman.

Whether it’s yelling “FRESHMAN!” at her in the Canfield hallways or singing songs about her, she knows it’s all in good fun.

“Whenever I see some of my teammates in the hall they will yell “freshman” at me and kind of playfully push me around,” Cianciola said. “They are always singing at me, too. They made up this little song, but I don’t remember all of the words. It’s really a lot of fun.”

But as the age old saying goes, “age is just a number” for Cianciola because the youngster plays like a seasoned veteran.

“I have been playing tennis since I was about four years old,” Cianciola said. “My mom [Susan] is a tennis pro, so she taught me how to play at a young age.”

Cianciola demonstrated her talents Wednesday afternoon as Canfield (11-2) defeated Howland, 4-1, to move a step closer to another All-American Conference title.

Cianciola dominated her match start to finish as she defeated Howland senior Deena Awadalla in straight sets 6-0, 6-0, improving her overall record to 11-2.

“Hannah has been playing for a long time and mentally she’s just as tough because of all the tournaments she plays in during the offseason,” said Canfield head coach Rob Stephens. “She’s definitely handled the No. 1 spot very well.”

Canfield teammates Ashley Kaleel and Taya El-Hayek also breezed through their matches.

Kaleel defeated Bella Elisco 6-0, 6-2 while El-Hayek earned a victory over Natalie Orr 6-0, 6-0.

“Overall, I’m very happy with my three singles players,” Stephens said. “They are all very consistent and come out each match and play up to their expectations. I couldn’t be more happier.”

The tandem of Sara Lytle and Christina Matthews also pulled out a victory, 6-2, 6-4, against Nicole Lussier and Harvest Radich.

The lone win for Howland (9-2) was in No. 1 doubles. Michelle Lussier and Marissa Jocola outlasted Mary Elizabeth Monda and Brianna Slemons in a 90-minute match.

After winning the first set handedly 6-2, the Howland duo had to come from behind in the second set.

“I believe our girls were down 5-2 in the second set, but they kept fighting and soon took the lead and were serving for the match point,” said Howland head coach Paul Newlove. “That’s nothing new for those girls. The other day Michelle was playing singles and found herself down 2-5 and came back and won. She’s tough as nails.

“As a coach you love to see players like that, who never give up and are always giving 100 percent no matter what the score is.”

As the season winds down and Cianciola continues to roll, there is one thing she is working toward.

“I want to make it to state, that’s my No. 1 goal,” Cianciola said.