Moravian Academy is well-known for producing successful tennis teams. But, shockingly, the Lions have not sent an individual or team to Hershey for the PIAA championships since 2015.

That dry spell ended this year when Moravian Academy made two trips to the state tournament — one for the team tournament and another for the singles championships.

The Lions were dominant this season, dismantling all of their opponents en route to a District 11 Class 2A title. The team went on to win its PIAA first-round match before bowing to eventual state runner-up Knoch in the quarterfinals, 3-2.

By winning a district singles title, Isabella Bartolacci '22 qualified for the state singles tournament in November, and finished in the top eight in the state.

The Lions added to their collection when Miranda Gibson '20 and Deirdre Hoffman '21 finished runner-up in the district doubles tournament.

Following a season filled with hardware, Moravian Academy is The Morning Call girls tennis team of the year.

The local publication also had glowing things to say about Isabella, stating:

Moravian Academy’s Isabella Bartolacci '22 is just a sophomore, but she exemplifies a competitive hunger for tennis that is beyond her years.

That attribute was on display in the District 11 Class 2A singles final in October. The Lions’ top player dropped the first set to Saucon Valley junior Julie Hernandez, and was forced to grind out two tough sets.

Bartolacci showed no quit at any point in the championship match, eventually earning a three-set victory and district gold. She went on to a quarterfinal finish in the PIAA singles tournament a month later.

For her gritty mentality and big-time accomplishments, Bartolacci is The Morning Call girls tennis singles player of the year.

Way to go, Lions!