In only her sophomore season, Saline High School's Mary Hanna has established herself as the top prep tennis player in Washtenaw County.

Some competition for this title is no longer around.

Two-time No. 1 singles regional champion and former Hornet teammate Niki Shipman graduated and is now playing for Grand Valley State. Greenhills junior Kasey Gardiner, who never lost during her two-year stint with the Gryphons, is no longer playing high school tennis.

The many worthy local opponents who remain have all been summarily dismissed by the soft spoken, big hitting left hander.

While winning the No. 1 singles flight at the MHSAA Division 1 regional tournament at Pioneer on Friday, Hanna topped Pioneer senior Courtney Lymburner 6-3, 6-0 in the final, with the last set turning into an exhibition of Hanna’s ability -- and desire -- to end points early.

“I’m an impatient person, so that helps out a bit," said Hanna. "I know I can hit the shots and just go for them. I like hitting winners and ending points.”

As an understudy to Shipman last season, Hanna was a state semifinalist at No. 2 singles. This year, Hanna (21-2) has her sights set higher.

“I would love to win states," she said. "It's obviously a great challenge and will require a lot of hard work, but that's my goal for the rest of the season.”

Regardless of what does happen at the state tournament, tennis will not stop for Hanna. She will play USTA and work on improving her game.

"Tennis is my life," Hanna said with a smile.

And right now, life is good.

Bob Gross covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at bobmgross@gmail.com.