Quaker Valley tennis to be well-represented at PIAA doubles tournament

By: Karen Kadilak
Friday, May 3, 2019 | 5:00 PM

Quaker Valley juniors and longtime tennis partners Zach Albert and John Watters look forward to their first appearance in the PIAA Class AA boys doubles tournament May 24-25 in Hershey.

Albert and Watters downed teammates Potter Oliver and Will Sirianni in two sets for the WPIAL title April 30. Oliver, a senior, and Sirianni, a freshman, also advanced.

“Zach and I haven’t gotten close to states in past years and, honestly, I’m just happy that we are going,” Watters said. “I want to perform at my highest level and leave Hershey knowing I tried my best.”

Albert and Watters, the two-time reigning Section 2-AA champions, lost in the first round of the WPIAL tournament last season.

Oliver and Sirianni were paired earlier this season before Sirianni moved to singles. They were reunited for the section championship, where they lost to Albert and Watters in the final in three sets.

Watters said his and Albert’s experience is an asset.

“The fact that Zach and I have been doubles partners for (several) years helps tremendously when it comes (to) chemistry and communication,” Watters said. “Our ability to communicate is half the battle.

“Zach, who I’ve known for years, couldn’t be a better partner to go to states with.”

Quaker Valley coach Christi Hays believes it is the first time the Quakers are sending two teams to the PIAA tournament.

“It is a bit challenging playing against teammates and friends,” Hays said. “I was extremely proud of the level of competitive play and also the exemplary sportsmanship.”

Watters said it was exciting to meet teammates.

“It added some tension,” Watters said. “Both the title and pride were on the line.”

The Quakers took advantage of an opening left after Sewickley Academy moved to Class AAA. Before this season, the Panthers earned nine consecutive WPIAL Class AA doubles titles.

“Going to the WPIAL (championship) knowing that I was not going to come across Sewickley Academy eased me up a bit,” Watters said.

Quaker Valley just missed sending a player to the PIAA singles championship after senior Andres Hubsch lost in the WPIAL consolation match.

The Quakers went undefeated in the section and qualified for the WPIAL team tournament that began May 2. The top three finishers will advance to the PIAA tournament.

“(We hope) to get the whole team to Hershey,” Hays said.

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