Palmyra's Mahaffey brothers roll into state doubles semifinals.

HERSHEY - Palmyra tennis twins Aidan and Tyler Mahaffey can lift their games to a level not many of their fellow competitors in the PIAA State Doubles Championships can match.

That fact was on full display during the sophomore brothers' 3A quarterfinal matchup against the Unionville duo of Andrew Poprik and Andrew Ou.

Losers by a 7-5, 7-5 score in the quarters a year ago, the Mahaffeys appeared headed for another tight battle after splitting the first six games of the opening set with the District 1 runners-up.

But from there it was all the Mahaffeys, the District 3 champs, who ran off nine of the next 10 games to win going away 6-3, 6-1, and gain a spot in Saturday's 8 a.m. semifinal round opposite David Mnuskin and Sam Bitzer of Shady Side Academy.

The other semifinal will feature Dallastown's Hayden Koons and Daniel Wu against Abhiraj Srivastave and Abhineet Srivastaca of Downingtown East. The survivors will meet for state gold at 1 p.m.

"I would say it's just a really great feeling," Tyler Mahaffey said. "Losing 7-5, 7-5 in the quarters kinda leaves you wanting more. To be able to get to the semis with a really good match is great for us. It's exciting to get there. We'll see what happens."

"I would say we just focused more," Aidan said of what turned the tide. "Going into the match, having lost in that round last year we were a little nervous. Once we started playing our match, being more active at the net was a big key and helped us get through the rest of the match."

Aidan's booming lefty serve and pinpoint volleys and Tyler's superb all-around play helped as well and, after playing well early, the Unionville tandem simply wasn't able to respond in kind.

The enthusiastic support the Mahaffeys received from a sizable group of family, friends, teachers and administrators who made the short trip to Hershey was an added bonus.

"It's great," Abbie Mahaffey, Palmyra's coach and Tyler and Aidan's mom, said. ."Between family, friends, teammates, that's really cool. That means a lot to them, although I don't know if they would admit it. I think it definitely helps them in those times when (a match) could go the other way."Ah, but they would. They certainly noticed it, and definitely appreciated it.

"I think it's really awesome," Tyler said. "When you're down and things aren't going well, t really helps to know people are supporting you. We appreciate it."

The Mahaffeys didn't really require a lot of cheering early on, as they handled Rohan Rao and Aaron Sun of Conestoga in the first round 6-2, 6-2.

Saturday won't be easier, for sure, but the Mahaffeys appear ready for what is to come.

"It's exciting," Abbie said. "A little stressful, I'm not gonna lie. It's hard to watch, but they did their thing. We'll take it."