OHSAA Division I girls state tennis: NDCL duo runner-up, Magnificat takes third in singles

WOOSTER, Ohio – Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin's duo of senior Elena Fleming and freshman Ella Workinger made history on Friday, becoming the school's first doubles team to finish runner-up at the OHSAA Division I girls tennis state tournament.

The pair made an impressive run to the title match, before falling 6-1, 6-3 to the defending champions from Mason – sophomore Emma Wagner and junior Pratyusha Chauduri.

"It's incredible the run that they've had," said NDCL coach Derek Kohanski, whose team moved from DII to DI this season. "When you play Mason, you pretty much have to be perfect. We weren't, but that's OK. We ran into the defending champs. The effort was there the whole time, and I'm really proud."

The Lions duo opened the day by outlasting Mara Boyd and Cora Langenderfer of Whitehouse Anthony Wayne (5-7, 6-1, 7-5). Trailing 4-5 in the deciding set, the Lions reeled off three straight games to secure the victory. It was their second straight come from behind win (after dropping the first set).

"They don't quit. All year, they never think they're out of it," added Kohanski. "They figure it out and adjust so well together."

Fleming, who played No. 1 singles for the Lions, culminates her decorated career as a three-time state qualifier with over 100 wins and her best finish at the state tournament. She placed fourth in singles as a freshman.

"It's incredible for Elena going out as a senior," continued Kohanski. "It's tough to lose your final match but I couldn't be more proud."

Magnificat senior Anna Mancino ended her high school career with a third-place finish, adding to her fourth place in doubles as a sophomore.

She fell to eventual champion – senior Addison Cassidy of Mason – in the semifinal (6-4, 6-2).

"She was amazing the entire tournament. She worked on her patience and her patterns. It was a great effort," said Magnificat coach Chris Johnson. "She did everything she could, it just wasn't enough."

Mancino was dominant on her way to the semifinal, winning both her matches in straight sets. In the third-place match, her opponent – Maddie Peisley of Sylvania Northview – had to submit a walk-over due to injury.

"Every year, she has progressively gotten better," added Johnson. "She made it to the second day. Just to have a shot at a state championship is what every high school player strives for. And for her to have that was a great accomplishment."