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Girls' tennis: Bronwyne Mellott wins third consecutive PIAA District 5 tournament


BEDFORD >> McConnellsburg High School may not have a girls tennis program, but Bronwyne Mellott makes sure the Spartans are represented in the PIAA State Tennis Tournament, now for the third year in a row.

Monday, she earned her third consecutive District 5 Class AA title on Monday at Bedford High School, and another state tournament berth, where the junior hopes to make another run at the championship. In two previous attempts, Mellott has been the PIAA Class AA girls singles runner-up both times.

She took each match in stride Monday, beating Bedford's Olivia Ackley 10-6 in the quarterfinals, and moving on to take down Chestnut Ridge's Emmy Mowry 10-6 in the semifinals.

Allison Shuke from Bedford was Mellott's final opponent, and Mellott eased past her, 6-1, 6-3.

Mellott's coach, Bill Wissinger of Chambersburg, said he thinks every year is "her year," but this time around will depend on the young talent she could face in the state tournament.

Wissinger said last year her serving and attack shots needed improvement at states, and that they will spend three days a week on the court to prepare for the tournament, scheduled for Nov. 6 and 7 at Hershey Racquet Club.

"I haven't had much time (with her this season), but the time I do spend with her is quality time," Wissinger said. "We won't be taking it easy, we will be hitting it hard, getting ready for states.

"She's one of the most special people in my life to be able to coach and teach."