Samuel Marcotullio, 10, hits the ball during the Butler Junior Tennis Association In-House Tournament at Butler High School on Wednesday. Marcotullio grabbed first place in the JV classification. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle

BUTLER TWP — A leisurely activity blossomed into something much more for Isabella and Samuel Marcotullio.

The tennis-playing siblings spend the majority of their week on the courts, but still try to appreciate the sport in its purest form.

“At first it was just really fun,” said Isabella, 12, at Wednesday afternoon’s Butler Junior Tennis Association In-House Tournament. “We liked to go hit. We never thought that we would really go anywhere with it. ... We just got older and (we) advanced.”

Samuel, her 10-year-old younger brother, took first-place in the JV classification at the event, held at the Butler Senior High School courts.

Both began swinging the racket at 5 years old. They’ve taken private lessons, too, while enjoying the basics.

“Just the thrill of playing in the heat, winning, losing, just all parts of learning and getting better,” Samuel said.

“I definitely like the competitiveness, and it’s a great form of exercise,” Isabella said. “I’m happy that’s it one of those sports that you can really do for a long time — and it’s definitely something I will do.”

The duo’s dedication has been noticeable to BJTA head coach Lexi Chappell, who herself grew up in the program.

“Samuel and Isabella, they just go, go, go,” Chappell said. “They have no quit in them. Last year, Samuel played in a tournament for our West Penn League for doubles, and him and his partner barely lost a game all day.

“They know when it’s a big match or a big challenge, and they’re ready to face the challenge head-on.”

A close connection has helped the two tweak their game together.

“We’re able to say, ‘Hey, you’re doing this wrong,’” Isabella said. “If it was a friend of mine or someone that I didn’t know that I was partners with, I couldn’t tell them ‘Hey, I think this could be a better strategy,’ or ‘Hey, I don’t think that shot is your best one, let’s see if we can switch this around.’”

Having recently won their first doubles event together at the Butler Country Club, the pair plans on continuing to compete together in doubles action.

“Butler’s given me great opportunities to play and get match play for other tournaments,” Isabella said. “My ultimate goal is to have fun. ... I could go somewhere in tennis I feel, but I don’t know if I would really want to.

“I feel complete doing stuff like this.”

Isabella Marcotullio, 12, hits the ball during the Butler Junior Tennis Association In-House Tournament at Butler High School on Wednesday. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle

Alana Moroney, a home-schooled sophomore, played for the No. 2 doubles tandem at Knoch last year. She played in and won a states match as a freshman.

Having played with BJTA since she was 12, Moroney enjoys that people involved in the sport work toward a common goal of improvement.

“They are constantly working towards a greater version of themselves,” she said. “I’m really grateful for all of my mentors through my tennis years.”

Moroney counts Chappell as one of those who’ve helped her get better. Chappell is taking over for the Knights’ girls team this fall while Moroney aims to continue the program’s success.

“We had a lot of seniors that were really, really great that graduated this year,” Moroney said. “I really want to carry on their legacy.”

Alana Moroney, 15, keeps her eye on the ball during the Butler Junior Tennis Association In-House Tournament at Butler High School on Wednesday. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle

Aeriana Pintell played a variety of sports when she was younger, but tennis was the one that really resonated with her. She began swinging a racket as a kindergartener and steadily moved up the ranks.

Nowadays, she also competes in United States Tennis Association tournaments.

“I got a lot of tips and tricks from the older kids and it was just a matter of a lot of practice,” Pintell said. “I came here even on my weekends just to practice with my parents and my grandparents.”

Along with playing, Pintell also coaches with BJTA.

“She’s a good role model for the younger kids, especially to just see what you can grow into,” Chappell said.

Pintell reminds the younger kids that she was once in their shoes.

“I always tell the younger kids that I’m coaching, ‘I started where you were and you can make it here someday if you just keep up the practice,’” Pintell said.

Aeriana Pintell hits the ball during the Butler Junior Tennis Association In-House Tournament at Butler High School on Wednesday. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle