John Knebels
On a crisp morning under the blue skies of Legacy Tennis Center on Oct. 7, the Lansdale Catholic girls’ tennis team wrote their names into the Philadelphia Catholic League history books — again.
With a gritty, unified performance that showcased both poise and power, the Crusaders defeated Nazareth Academy, 4-1, in the 2025 PCL girls’ tennis championship final, capturing their first league crown since 2022.
From the first serve to the final match point, the energy was electric — and this time, LC made sure the outcome was in their hands.
“It feels surreal,” said senior Addison Herr, who, alongside senior partner Sarah McGoldrick, delivered a dominant 6-0, 6-2 win at second doubles. “This was our best match ever — we communicated perfectly and focused on placing our shots, not just hitting hard. It feels like I truly earned my spot this year.”
LC wasted no time making their mark, storming through the doubles matches to take a commanding early lead. At first doubles, sophomore Izzy Saxton and senior Emma Lahr showed veteran focus, beating Lenna Vartanian and Maura Gilligan 6-2, 6-4. Moments later, Herr and McGoldrick sealed their own straight-sets victory on the next court, giving LC a 2-0 cushion.
“The win was really special,” said Herr, who has played varsity doubles all four years. “As a freshman, I felt like I was just along for the ride. But now, as a senior, I was one of the players making the win happen.”
The energy shifted as third singles wrapped up, with sophomore Gianna Petrarca delivering a clean 6-3, 6-3 victory to clinch the match for the Crusaders.
“Once Gianna won, we knew we had it,” said junior Dani Foret. “It took the pressure off — but I still had to finish my match.”
At second singles, Foret’s match stretched into a tense three-set battle. After dropping the first set, 4-6, to Nazareth’s Grace Vartanian, she turned to her coaches, Sheila Gorman and Tracy Giannini, for grounding.
“I was nervous at first,” Foret admitted. “But after that first set, Coach Sheila and Coach Tracy helped me refocus. I reminded myself: I can win this.”
And she did — grinding out a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 comeback to give LC its fourth and final point of the day.
“Winning the second set was a huge relief,” said Foret. “At that point, I knew the team had already won. So, I was just playing for me.”
For Nazareth Academy, which stunned top-seed Cardinal O’Hara in the semifinals, the appearance alone was historic — their first PCL final since joining the league in 2023–24. They earned their lone point at first singles, where senior Sadie Walker defeated LC senior Kate Donathan, 6-4, 6-3, in a spirited effort.
Still, it was LC’s day — and the celebration proved it.
As Foret sealed her final point, the team erupted. Players sprinted onto the court, arms raised, celebrating a championship two years in the making.
With the league title secured, Lansdale Catholic now turns its attention to the District XII Class 2A championship, where they’ll face Masterman at 12 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16.
But for Herr and the other seniors, the PCL title will be one to remember forever.
“This one means so much,” she said. “I’m a senior now. I know these moments won’t last forever. And to go out with a win like this — it just makes everything we’ve worked for feel worth it.”
***
Contact John Knebels at jknebels@gmail.com or on ‘X’ @johnknebels.
Share this story