Vindicator Fall Athletes: Ashley Kaleel and Hannah Cianciola

Prior to the fall of 2013 — Ashley Kaleel’s sophomore season and Hannah Cianciola’s freshman campaign — the Canfield tennis standouts never really played together. More often than not, they actually played against each other.

“That first year, we played in the doubles classic that we have every year,” said Cianciola, a junior. “That was like our first time really playing together in competition. It took us probably like a couple months after that to really get to know each other and how we play.”

Three seasons later, they are three-time state qualifiers.

“Coming together and going to state three times in a row is just a really great achievement,” said Kaleel, a senior. “We would practice every day — sometimes even twice a day — for an hour or two or sometimes even three.”

As the No. 1 this season, Cianciola went 19-2 in singles. Kaleel was 18-1 at No. 2. Then during the state tournament — held at Lindner Family Tennis Center near Cincinnati — the girls won a match before bowing out.

“I think this year was the funnest, I guess, because we played in a pro stadium and got to see how big they are,” Cianciola said. “It was just a really good experience. ... When I was a freshman, all three seniors were like my best friends on the team. So them not being there, I’m gonna have to step up and be a leader. It’s just gonna be so different — I don’t want to think about it.”

Kaleel also said she’ll miss playing with Cianciola. “My last moments on the court with Hannah, I was just like, ‘I’m never gonna be able to do this again,’” she said. “So I really tried to make the best of it this season.”