Conestoga’s Sun, Bishop Shanahan’s Gallagher capture District 1 singles titles

By Bruce Adams

Badams@21st-centurymedia.com

Philadelphia – Conestoga sophomore Ethan Sun and Bishop Shanahan junior Danny Gallagher each stepped into the winner’s circle at the PIAA District 1 singles tournament Friday at the Legacy Tennis Center.

For each of them, it was a short step to glory – Sun finished second at last year’s District 1 3A singles tourney, and Gallagher was runnerup in the District 1 2A singles tournament.

The win was particularly sweet for Gallagher, as only one player from the District 1 2A singles tourney advances to the PIAA 2A state singles tournament. Plus, in the finals he defeated the same player, Lower Moreland junior Max Spodik, who had beaten him in an agonizing close three-set match in last year’s district singles final.

This time, Gallagher prevailed in the 2A final for a 6-2, 6-3 win. In the second set, Gallagher fell behind 3-0 but rallied to win the final six games.

“I’m so excited about going to states, I’ve been looking forward to this for a year,” said Gallagher. “Last year’s loss was tough. Last year, I got to go to states for doubles and that was nice, but I was looking at the singles tournament when I was there and thinking, ‘Oh man, I wish I was playing in this.’ And now, I’ve got to that point, and I’m just so happy.

“Max is a great player, I want to congratulate him. I felt that this time, I didn’t let my emotions get to me, I wasn’t making stupid errors and I made the higher percentage shot.”

Bishop Shanahan head coach Michael Owens said, “Danny was very consistent today; he didn’t try to go as quickly as he sometimes has in the past to win the point. He was more patient. Also, he wasn’t trying to just hit the line as opposed to getting it one foot in (laughs).

“Recently, his first serve hasn’t been going in as much, (but) he has a great second serve. Today, he was getting his first serve in (more often). He did us proud.”

With the win, Gallagher becomes the first Shanahan player ever to win the District 1 singles tournament. Last year, he teamed with Tommy Duncheskie to become the first Shanahan duo ever to capture the District 1 doubles title.

“We’ve had a few great players in the past, so it’s good to do something that no one’s ever done before,” said Gallagher.

Sun, the Central League singles champion and the No. 1 seed in the District 1 3A singles tourney, lost the first set of his Friday semifinal to Central Bucks East sophomore Sal Ponamgi, then bounced back to win a grueling three-hour, three-set match, 5-7, 6-4, 4-0 (retired).

Sun then fell behind 3-0 in the first set of the championship final against Ches-Mont American singles champion Matt Miller, but fought back for a 6-3, 6-3 win.

“Staying aggressive was the most important part (for me),” said Sun. “A lot of times (early) I was hesitating, and losing points. My match with Matt was a great match, I played really well, and the key was being aggressive, not giving him the opportunities.”

Conestoga head coach Brittany Aimone said, “Ethan played a phenomenal semifinal round, where it was three hours long, and you had to wonder if he had the energy or the gas in him to pull out the final. He played an outstanding final — I’m super proud of him. He was very aggressive and Matt’s an awesome player, a very aggressive, seasoned player, and Ethan had to show up (in the final), and he showed up.”

Miller won both of his Thursday matches in straight sets, then on Friday defeated the No. 2 seed, Conestoga senior Michael Gao, 6-0, 4-0 (retired), in the semifinal.

“I think my best match (at districts) was the semifinal,” said Miller. “In the final, Ethan really played well today, he gave me no free points today, I didn’t have anything to work with.”

NOTES: The third-place match of the District 1 3A singles tournament was not played Friday. Both Ponamgi and Gao had retired from their respective semifinal matches, and third place was awarded to Ponamgi because Gao withdrew.

In the fifth-place match Friday, playing for the final berth in the PIAA 3A singles tournament, West Chester East senior Ben Gao lost to Council Rock South freshman Michael Goldovsky, 3-6, 4-6.

Goldovsky, the No. 4 seed in the tournament, had never faced Ben Gao, the sixth seed, before. Earlier on Friday, Ben Gao defeated West Chester Henderson sophomore Zach Evans, the Ches-Mont National singles champion, 6-4, 6-0, to advance to the fifth-place match.

“The key for me (against Ben Gao) was trying to find my forehand and to serve big,” said Goldovsky. “It was one of my best matches of the season. I’m really excited for states; it’s going to be a fun time.”