CM’s Lindsay claims second PIAA state tennis title

HERSHEY – The final day of the PIAA AAA boys tennis state tournament was eventful for David Lindsay of Central Mountain. David’s semi-final match was a rematch of last year’s opponent, Copper Lehman, D3 Champion, from Hemfield. David had the honor of serving first in the opening set. He used this to his advantage to set the tone by quickly winning the first game. David was on his game from the start by putting the pressure on Lehman’s service game. Before anyone knew it. The first set was over with David winning, 6-1. The second set was much like the first. David jumped out to an early lead and didn’t hold back. He won the second set 6-3, which put him in his third final at the PIAA states tournament.

His opponent in the final was Brian Yi of Lower Merion. Yi was the 2023 AAA 3rd-place finisher. “Coming into the tournament, we knew Brian would be his toughest opponent. David’s goal was to get out to fast start to put pressure on Yi.” said, Coach Brinker.

Yi won the coin toss and elected to serve to David. David was fresh, ready to go. David saw the ball really well coming off Yi’s racquet in the return game and was hitting clean winners early. David went up 40-0 and easily won the first game. David kept the moment from the break he won and made one successful hit after another. Yi made some nice hits over the next two games but David was on today. Up 3-0, Yi finally got on the score card but David didn’t flinch. David went on to win the first set 6-2.

The second set was looking to be a good one. One set down. One more to go. Yi once again started with the serve on his racquet. Like the first set, David did what was needed and broke Yi. Down, 0-1, Yi was not done fighting. Yi took David to several deuces in the second game. Yi had a couple of advantages to get back the break and regain David’s moment. But that was the pivotal moment when David shut the door on Yi’s comeback attempt. Down an advantage point, David rallied with three straight winning shots to go up 2-0.

“This is the best tennis I have seen David play all year. It was nice to see him play at such a high level when the pressure to perform was at its peak,” said Coach Brinker.

David was locked in and gave a few fist pumps with each pressure point won. Up 5-0 with game, set, and match on the final serve of his illustrious high school career, David’s serve was placed tight into Yi’s body but Yi was able to get the return back to David. David and Yi returned quality forehands back and forth. David hit his final shot down the line. Yi reached out to get it but was unable to get the ball back in play. David saved the best play of the season for the finals by winning the final set, 6-0. “It was a relief to win. said, David after the victory. I am really happy to have won my second title.”

David had an outstanding season and career at Central Mountain High School. “He put in the hard work over many years to make his dreams come true. I am proud of all he has accomplished.” said, coach Brinker