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Together, Canfield’s Kaleel, Cianciola find success
YOUNGSTOWN
Junior Ashley Kaleel is a fan of meatloaf and coffee before tennis matches.
Sophomore Hannah Cianciola just makes sure to pack the same headband.
Kaleel can be intense and emotional on the court. Cianciola has more of a calming presence.
Canfield High School’s top doubles team is made up of two vastly different individuals. But when they’re inside the white lines together, Kaleel and Cianciola play as one and have become a force amongst the state’s elite.
This year, the duo looks to solidify that by winning some hardware and a state championship.
After stumbling on the final day of the Division I sectional tournament, Kaleel and Cianciola recovered to win the district and earn one of the top four seeds in this weekend’s state tournament.
Losses in the sectional semifinal and third-place game may turn out to be just what they needed.
“I feel like it was an eye opener, because we played really badly on that Saturday,” Kaleel said. “So we knew that we had to come together and focus and win against Magnificat on Thursday [at districts], so we really focused all of our attention on that match.”
“I know I was nervous because I wanted to come out as a No. 1 seed and have a good draw for districts,” Cianciola said. “So I think it was nerves and just a bad day.”
Now that their bad day is behind them, the duo is ready to seize the opportunity in front of them. And now Cianciola is more excited than nervous.
“We know what we need to do now,” Cianciola said. “We know how to work as a team and boost each other up even if we’re playing poorly.”
Rob Stephens is in his seventh season coaching girls tennis at Canfield. This is his sixth year with a participant in the state tournament.
He likes his chances with this year’s doubles team.
“Sometimes Ashley’s feistiness and emotion is a great asset to have,” Stephens said. “So when she gets that focus, it’s a great combination with Hannah’s steadiness.”
Stephens makes sure the girls use those emotions to their advantage.
“He’s really good at calming us down,” Kaleel said with a smile.
Cianciola agreed, adding “[Kaleel] gets me fired up.”
“We even each other out,” Kaleel said. “Like if I get too excited, she’ll be like, ‘Hey, calm down’ or if I’m like ‘C’mon,’ she’ll be like, ‘All right, let’s go.’”
Kaleel and Cianciola began playing together last year. They experienced almost immediate success in reaching the state tournament, but came up short with a second-round loss.
This year, they feel their improved communication will make all the difference.
“I didn’t take that long to become a unit, but I feel like we’ve definitely improved a lot since last year,” Kaleel said.
When asked what would be considered a success this weekend, without hesitation, both agreed making it to the second day.
“Of course, we want to win,” Kaleel said. “But we’re really hoping to get past the second [round] and make some history.”
Cianciola feels Kaleel is more comfortable at the net. Kaleel thinks Cianciola prefers to play along the baseline.
“She has a really good serve, so that sets me up at the net,” Kaleel said.
They’re a match made in tennis heaven. Now they’re four wins from a state championship.