Canfield | Tennis Hannah Cianciola and Ashley Kaleel

After having success last season, the Canfield tennis duo of Hannah Cianciola and Ashley Kaleel were at it again this fall.

The pair made the state tournament for the second consecutive year and were not surprised that early on, they realized their potential.

“We have a tournament called the Doubles Classic,” said Kaleel, a junior. “We could see some stuff that we needed to work on, but in practice we work on doubles I could see us improving together every day.”

Cianciola felt the event was the turning point in the duo’s campaign.

“I thought the Doubles Classic was good for us and we got to play some really good teams early on,” Cianciola said.

Canfield played state powers Upper Arlington, Hathaway Brown and Magnificat.

Cianciola, a sophomore, and Kaleel used those experiences from early in the season in the state tournament.

“I definitely think our bond (was better), not just as teammates but as friends,” Kaleel said. “I think we grew a lot closer this year.”

Although the duo (18-2) was defeated in the first round in the state tournament, Cianciola and Kaleel will look to build on the experience and goals from this year.

“Get closer as teammates and make it farther in the state tournament,” Kaleel said.

Kaleel also believes that the duo is as physically ready to make in run in the state tournament.

“I think a lot of it is mental,” Kaleel said. “We just have to become more mentally strong and stable.”

Cianciola feels a positive attitude will help next season.

“We just need to keep each other up,” Cianciola said. “Also play in more tournments than we did this summer.”

So far, the pair has made a number of memories on the court together.

“The first time that we made it to states, I remember that last point exactly,” Cianciola said. “I just remember the moment we won the point we gave each other a big hug. I was so happy.”