Penn-Trafford notebook: Williams looks to rebound at state tournament

By: Paul Schofield
Sunday, October 22, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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Mia Williams was the favorite to win her second WPIAL Class 3A singles tennis championship last month.

But things didn’t turn out how she had planned.

The sophomore had an off day against a tough opponent.

Shady Side Academy’s Meriwhether McCargo stunned the returning champion, 7-6(1) and 6-1.

The freshman stuck to her game plan of allowing Williams to make mistakes. She was able to frustrate the returning champion.

“I’m happy I got a chance to play her because she’s a great player,” said McCargo, a Sewickley resident. “I was happy with my start. I knew after a couple matches that I could win. Then I started losing focus and she battled back.”

Williams, however, has moved on from that dreadful day.

She learned from that match and now is focused on her first round match Nov. 3 at the PIAA championships in Hershey.

Williams will face Cumberland Valley sophomore Riya Srivinas in the first match. It’s the same opponent she defeated 6-0, 6-4 in the 2022 tournament.

She lost to Council Rock South junior Dasha Chichkina in the quarterfinals 6-2, 2-6, 6-1. She met Chichkina in the summer during a tournament and won.

“I didn’t have a good day during the finals,” Williams said. “I didn’t play my best and she played well. But I’ve moved on. I’m getting ready for a new tournament.”

Since the end of the season, Williams has spent time practicing and keeping sharp. She said her serve was off in the finals and she let little things distract her.

She feels being in the state tournament before will help her against players who are making their first trip.

“It definitely helps you knowing what to expect,” Williams said. “But my focus is playing well against some great opponents. I’m on the upper part of the bracket, and I’m fine with that.”

Unionville senior Grace Li is the returning champion. Also back is Liberty junior Helena Lynn. Both are at the top of the bracket with Williams.

Volleyball team clinches section title

The Penn-Trafford girls volleyball team ended the regular season unbeaten in the section by blanking Norwin, 3-0.

The Warriors are 11-3 overall and ranked No. 6 by the Western Pa. Volleyball Coaches Association.

The WPIAL playoffs are set to being this week.

Hershberger scores 6 goals

Penn-Trafford senior forward Ava Hershberger scored all six goals to lead the Warriors’ field hockey team to a 6-1 victory against Upper St. Clair.

Earlier in the week, the Warriors defeated Fox Chapel, 3-1, as Hershberger scored twice and Caeley Simon once. Mack Keenan had three assists and Liz Welsh one.

The Warriors improved to 14-2 overall ahead of the WPIAL playoffs.

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Penn-Trafford