It took two days and more than 2½ hours of play to complete, but the WRA Girls Varsity Tennis team opened the season with its sixth straight shutout, defeating Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy on the road, 5-0. The match was completed Friday as a continuation of Thursday's weather-suspended contest.

The Pioneers delivered a strong performance across all five courts. Catie Cunningham '29 set the pace at #2 Singles, cruising to a 6-0, 6-0 victory over CVCA's Lily Springirth to earn the first team point. Rithi Hegde '29 followed quickly at #1 Singles, defeating the Royals' Brooke Raymond, 6-2, 6-0, to give WRA a 2-0 lead.

Dorothy Mendelson '30 then secured the clinching point at #3 Singles with a 6-2, 6-1 victory over CVCA's Raina Wood.

With CVCA putting three of its top players into the doubles lineup, the Pioneers faced more competitive matches on the doubles courts. WRA responded by raising its level of play and finishing strong to complete the 5-0 sweep.

At #1 Doubles, Lela Yajnik '27 and Sasha Hillard '29 earned an impressive 6-4, 6-2 victory over the Royals' top two players, Delanie Moore and Grace Saffles. The well-played match drew a strong group of spectators and gave the Pioneers their fourth team point.

At #2 Doubles, Sia Mahesh '27 and Bella Arakaki '28 battled through a tight match against CVCA's Lily and Addy Siemen, coming through late for a 7-5, 7-5 victory and the fifth and final team point.

Another highlight of the match was Yajnik's victory at #1 Doubles, which marked the 52nd win of her career. The milestone is believed to be a school record. Congratulations to Lela!

The Pioneer Girls Varsity Tennis team will return home Tuesday, September 8, to host state powerhouse Magnificat. Match time is 4:30 p.m.

Box Score

WRA 5, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy 0
Thursday-Friday, September 3-4, 2026
At Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy — Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Singles

• #1 Singles: Rithi Hegde (WRA) def. Brooke Raymond (CVCA), 6-2, 6-0
• #2 Singles: Catie Cunningham (WRA) def. Lily Springirth (CVCA), 6-0, 6-0
• #3 Singles: Dorothy Mendelson (WRA) def. Raina Wood (CVCA), 6-2, 6-1

Doubles

• #1 Doubles: Lela Yajnik/Sasha Hillard (WRA) def. Grace Saffles/Delanie Moore (CVCA), 6-4, 6-2
• #2 Doubles: Sia Mahesh/Bella Arakaki (WRA) def. Lily Siemen/Addy Siemen (CVCA), 7-5, 7-5

Match Time: 2:40
Attendance: 27
Order of Finish: 2S, 1S, 3S*, 1D, 2D
*Clinching point