Hempfield Defeats Defending Champion Dallastown in Intense Boys Tennis Match

Hempfield made a statement with a 3-2 win over defending district champion Dallastown. Cooper Lehman dominated in singles, while freshman Braylen Garcia impressed. Sam Keener sealed the victory in a hard-fought battle. Despite strong doubles play, Dallastown fell short. Hempfield now shifts focus to Lancaster-Lebanon League play.

Hempfield Edges Out Defending Champion Dallastown in Thrilling Boys Tennis Match

Hempfield's boys tennis team made a strong statement on Tuesday, securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory over defending District Three Class 3A champions Dallastown at Hempfield recCenter. The matchup was highly anticipated, with Dallastown serving as a key benchmark for top teams in the region.

"We knew this was going to be a battle," said Hempfield coach Mindi Bell. "Dallastown has an incredibly talented lineup, but our players stepped up and delivered."

Leading the charge was Cooper Lehman, Hempfield’s No. 1 player and a three-time L-L League and district singles champion. Facing Dallastown’s Hayden Koons—last year’s district third-place finisher—Lehman secured a decisive 6-4, 6-2 win.

“Me and Hayden go way back,” Lehman said. “We’ve trained together since we were kids. I found my rhythm in the second set, and it felt great to come out on top.”

Koons, who was the second seed in last year's district tournament, acknowledged Lehman’s strong performance. “Cooper played really well today. He found his way in the second set, and I just couldn’t break through,” Koons said.

Freshman Braylen Garcia continued his strong start to the season, dominating Jacob Horn 6-2, 6-1 at No. 2 singles. Sam Keener clinched the deciding point for Hempfield with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Nate Erickson in the No. 3 singles match.

“I think Sammy Keener’s match was very important for us,” Bell emphasized. “All three singles really came through for us, because they were big ones.”

Despite their singles losses, Dallastown showcased its depth by winning both doubles matches in straight sets. The Wildcats, who defeated Manheim Township in last year's district final, remain a formidable force and are set to host a tournament on Friday featuring Lancaster Country Day.

With this win, Hempfield improves to 3-0 and now shifts focus to Lancaster-Lebanon League play, opening against Manheim Township on March 26. The Knights claimed a narrow 4-3 victory over the Streaks last year, a result that ultimately secured them the section title.

"The Lancaster-Lebanon League is incredibly competitive this year," Bell noted. "It's still anyone’s game."