Ritchey Crowned District 6 Class 2A Singles Champion

Julia Ritchey of Central High School has been crowned District 6 Class 2A singles champion after beating Central Cambria’s Marley Ratchford in straight sets 6-3,6-2. Ritchey created a big turnaround from last season when she dropped a heartbreaking final match to Ratchford in three sets.

“Her biggest turnaround from last year’s loss to Ratchford would have to be her mental game,” Ritchey’s coach Shaun Coppersmith said. “She’s always hit hard and had a good serve. After losing in the title match last year, I feel it really lit a fire in her to not let that happen again. She’s the type of player who puts a lot of time into hitting all year long. I can tell you she’s in better shape, stronger, and hits harder this year but her mental game is better and stronger than it has ever been. Watching her mental game grow over the past few seasons I believe is what got her to the next level. She doesn’t let little things get to her anymore and is able to just shake them off.”

He believes Ritchey’s love for the game has rubbed off on her other teammates.

Coppersmith feels they all take the game more seriously.

“She’s a great player and I’m sure she will make a really good player at the next level,” he said.

Ritchey, a senior, recorded a 15-3 singles record this year to lead her team and now will move on to the state championships held at the Hershey Racquet Club on November 1 and 2.