Bethlehem Catholic senior Shannon Stewart is the District XI Class 2A silver medalist after competing in the final against Moravian Academy’s Chessie Bartolacci who won the match, 6-3, 6-2.

It was Stewart and Bartolacci’s second match of the day after Bartolacci defeated Allentown Central Catholic’s Sabrina Yurconic, 6-0, 6-2, and Stewart defeated Becahi’s Cara Magliochetti, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7-1).

It wasn’t the first time Becahi coach George Harmanos had two of his players competing against each other at districts.

“I never coach when it’s the two playing against each other. I don’t feel that it’s fair for me to exploit their opponent,” Coach Harmanos said.

Stewart and Magliochetti competed for singles spots before the season began, and their matches were always very close.

“Shannon is a very clever player- her top spin, slice, lobs- she’s very diversified,” said Harmanos. “Cara is a power player. She goes for big shots and can play both sides, forehand and backhand.”

The semifinal between Stewart and Magliochetti was no doubt emotional, a three-set match where teammates were competing against each other with only one winner.

In the final, Stewart tried a few different things against Bartolacci.

“We wanted her to keep the ball deep and try to extend the rallies,” said Harmanos. “That was our strategy, but she played an excellent player, and Chessie handled it very well.”