Evans sisters named to All-Region tennis team

By Corey Gesford
If you win a state title, you can expect the post season accolades to pile up. When you can share the experience it’s even more special. Montrose Junior Cara Evans, the Class 2A state champion, was named Player of the Year for the Scranton Times Tribune newspaper’s All Regional team and was joined by her sister, freshman Anna Evans.
Cara Evans finished the season 24-0 and led Montrose to the program’s first District II playoff win. Cara Evans owns an impressive 60-3 career record including two previous trips to the District II final, where she fell to state champion Illana Rosenthal both times. This year, Cara Evans cruised through the first three rounds of PIAA championships before dropping the second set in the final. She quickly recovered to win the crown with a 6-1 win in the decisive set.
While Cara Evans credits all her different coaches for her success, she feels her family is the most important thing behind her success.
“My Dad introduced me to the sport, kept it fun, challenged and encouraged me,” Cara Evans said. “My sister, Anna, is the best playing partner throughout the season — and my mom does all the little things to make sure Montrose girls’ tennis continues to be successful.”
Anna Evans quickly made a name for herself in her first varsity season going 17-3 and reaching
the semifinals of the District II Class 2A championships. She also teamed with teammate Erin Tillotson to reach the finals of the District II Class 2A doubles championship where they fell to eventual state champions Lily Lengyel and Emma Cuck of Scranton Prep.
For Anna Evans, the All-Region distinction is memorable because of who she gets to share the honor with.
“It’s an honor and I’m very proud to be selected alongside such terrific players,” she said. “It’s especially meaningful because I got to play alongside my sister who is player of the year.”
Anna Evans also attributed her first year varsity success to her offseason preparation and
experiences in another sport.
“Practicing against my sister over the last ten years contributed to my success,” she said. “I’ve played in some USTA tournaments, and I’m a softball pitcher so I’m used to handling
pressure.”