Sep 15, 2015 By Eleanor Bailey 4 min read

Under new head coach Paul Skrok, the beat goes on in Mt. Lebanon as the Lady Blue Devils continue their winning ways in tennis. Skrok played No. 1 singles and doubles at Edinboro University. He is a teaching pro at Glen Creek Tennis Club in South Park.

“I live in Mt. Lebanon and I knew the kids and the parents. So taking over as head coach was a good fit for everybody,” Skrok said.

Indeed, the Lebo ladies are off to a 6-1 start. They are also fresh off grabbing the gold medal during the Altoona Invitational, with a perfect record of 5-0.

Teams that participated against Lebo in the Altoona Invitational included: Villa Maria Academy, Indiana, Manheim Township, Abington Heights, Conestoga Valley, Hollidaysburg as well as the host club. The teams played draws of eight in all three singles and two doubles matches as well as a third doubles, which was scored as exhibitions.

“All the girls played well,” said Skrok. “It was good competition against some of the best teams in the state.”

The best teams in the state, however, reside in Lebo’s own district. North Allegheny and Shady Side Academy were the WPIAL and PIAA champion and runner-up respectively in 2014. Both return strong clubs this fall.

NA handed Lebo its lone loss this season, 4-1. Though Casey Gannon and Brooke Warshaw scored the only victory in the match at second doubles, Lebo took the Tigers to three sets at No. 3 singles and No. 1 doubles.

Shady Side Academy, which recently ended the Tigers’ 49-match winning streak, will be Lebo’s next opponent on Sept. 18.

“Those are the top two teams,” Skrok said of NA and SSA. “Obviously to make it as one of the top three teams in the WPIAL is tough.”

Yet, the Blue Devils strive to be the best. The goal is first place, not just in the section, which features formidable opponents such at Peters Township, Upper St. Clair and Bethel Park. Lebo visits the Lady Indians, who were fourth-place finishers in the WPIAL last year, Oct. 2 in a key section match.

“Peters has a nice team. They are always strong,” Skrok said of the Indians, “Just to get out of the section is a battle. That match will tell the race.

“Our goal though,” stressed Skrok, “is to win the WPIAL championship. Absolutely, the section comes first but we want to be the first-place team out of Pittsburgh.”

The Lebo ladies are heading in that direction, in part because of the play of Kristi Riley. She is the lone senior in the starting line-up. The team captain fills the No. 1 singles slot. “She is a tremendous leader,” Skrok said. “I’m pleased with the job she’s been doing, particularly in guiding the younger players.”

Juniors Skylar Morgan and Morgan Happe dominate the play at No. 2 and No. 3 singles for the Blue Devils. Currently, Golda Gershanocky and Katherine Izzo fill the No. 1 doubles spots while Warshaw and Gannon are at No. 2 doubles.

Sophomores Lauren Carey and Eliza Georgiades give Lebo a solid top nine while Katie Ward, a sophomore, Anna Zak, a freshman, Megan Gibbons and Ivy Tellin, both seniors, and Julia Strohl complete the varsity roster.

“It’s a great group of girls,” said Skrok of the team. “They train together and it’s a positive environment. These girls want to carry on the tradition and improve upon last year’s showing in the semifinals of the state tournament.”

Skrok said the trip to Altoona was a great bonding experience for the team and while the matches do not count in the team’s win-loss column, the journey nevertheless was positive.

“It’s a great confidence booster for the girls. It’s an opportunity to play matches against different teams from outside the district. It was good competition and it wasn’t against the same teams that we play year in and year out.”

NOTES: The WPIAL tennis singles championships will be held Sept. 21 and 22. Top finishers from each section event, played Set. 15-16, advance to the tournament. Opening round play through quarterfinal action in Class AAA will be hosted at Shady Side Academy and in Class AA at Norwin on Sept. 21. All semifinal and consolation matches will be played at 2 p.m. Sept. 22 at North Allegheny.