Smithtown East’s Anya Konopka is now the two time Suffolk County singles champion as she defended her title this week.
Konopka secured her back to back titles after defeating Mount Sinai's Sofia Perez by a count of 7-5 and 6-0.
Konopka had home court advantage playing at her high school and delivered against a very tough competitor.
“This was the first time we’ve ever had the finals here. I live two minutes away so I was able to take a nap and then come here and play,” said Konopka.
The first set Perez started like a house on fire and it looked like Konopka would be in trouble. It was a great match but went on a run winning the final 9 games to lead her to a victory.
Afterwards she commented how this felt very different than last year. Last season she was the younger underdog, this year she was almost expected to win. The pressure was on her as the older player and returning champion.
Konopka now heads to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Individual Championships later this week at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Konopka and Perez are both going to States, and will be joined by fellow Suffolk player Sofia Matos of Longwood.