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Carmel's Minor nets state title

Rain finally struck on the final day of the girls tennis state tournament hosted by Prospect, so competition was moved indoors.

Where Carmel senior Jasmine Minor eventually reigned.

The state finalists moved from Prospect down the street to Forest View Racquet Club in Arlington Heights, while the consolation backdraw moved to Lake Bluff Racquet Club.

Minor, one of the most talented players in the field, faced off against Wheaton Warrenville South freshman Keisha Clousing.

Minor ultimately defeated Clousing in a two-hour, 20-minute contest 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) to take home singles state championship honors.

Earlier, Minor defeated Glenbrook North senior Hannah Yu 1-6, 6-2, 6-4 in the semifinals. Clousing advanced thanks to a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Mundelein's Ari Dechter.

The finals began with Minor jumping to a 5-0 lead over Clousing, who rallied back to win three games before Minor took the first set 6-3.

“I didn't exactly know how to figure out her game,” Clousing said. “We had played each other once when I was 9, and she really beat me bad.”

In the second set, Minor led 2-1. However, Clousing gained momentum after winning three consecutive games. Following a back-and-forth second set, Clousing and Minor were tied 6-6.

Minor jumped to a quick 5-1 lead in the tie-breaker, but Clousing followed suit, coming back 6-5. Minor closed out the win after a shot that threw Clousing off kilter. Clousing flicked an errant backhand, and Carmel fans rushed the court.

“Any player here can win this, but it's all about how long you can compete,” said Minor, who took her junior year off from high school tennis after placing third in state her sophomore year. “(Clousing and I) were exhausted. I was ready to go and fired up. I didn't expect this.”

For third place in singles, Yu defeated Dechter in a tight 7-5, 7-6 (7-4) match. Dechter, who defeated the No. 1 seed in the third round Thursday, was not discouraged.

“I've had to be mentally tough and positive,” Dechter said. “I had good footwork. I wanted to come in first, but it was a great experience. (The win) is finally sinking in, and it's a great feeling, but I'm sad it's all over.”

Barrington senior Kristy Dodge and Schaumburg sophomore Monica Lin battled for a final time this season in the consolation feed-in final; the two also meet in the Mid-Suburban League and Schaumburg sectional finals.

This time, Lin was able to edge Dodge 6-3, 6-3.

“(Monica) has spent a lot of time playing (Dodge) and she definitely got a good look at her,” said Schaumburg coach Jason Campbell. “This was Monica's match. She did everything well.”

“(Kristy) is a fantastic competitor. It's also an accomplishment of endurance in three days of matches.”

Prior to Saturday's final, Dodge was a career 5-0 against Lin.

“Today I was more intense and kept my feet moving,” Lin said. “Playing indoors and outdoors didn't make much of a difference today. I played really well today.”

Dodge replicated her finish in her junior year with a sixth-place medal finish. As a team Barrington finished seventh.

“Monica played well,” said Barrington coach Tracy Waters-Miller. “She was swinging away. Kristy couldn't get it started. Kristy had a good career here at Barrington and we're all proud. Kristy had a good tournament. We're happy with our team finish. Congratulations to Monica.”

Lake Forest hoisted the team trophy as they registered a championship with 40 points.

Lake Forest had sophomore singles player Maddie Lipp and two doubles teams make it to Day 3, gaining them enough points to edge defending champion Hinsdale Central with 36. New Trier took a third place with 33 points.

“I feel pure joy right now,” said Lake Forest coach Denise Murphy. “It was nice to see the girls get the championship trophy today. They've been chasing that for a while. Everyone fought hard and I'm proud.”

Hinsdale Central sophomore duo Marika Cusick/Caroline Lorenzini became doubles state champs after defeating Lake Forest tandem Haleigh McPeek/Elizabeth Zordani 6-2, 6-3. Cusick and Lorenzini went undefeated all season.

“We didn't have an easy draw,” Cusick said. “We stayed positive, and played our game as much as we could. This is really exciting.”

GEORGE LECLAIRE/gleclaire@dailyherald.comMundelein's Ari Dechter lost to Wheaton Warrenville South's Keisha Clousing at girls state tennis finals at Fox View Tennis Club in Arlington Heights on Saturday, October 23.
  Mundelein’s Ari Dechter battles WW South’s Keisha Clousing in the singles state semfinals. GEORGE LECLAIRE/ gleclaire@dailyherald.com
GEORGE LECLAIRE/gleclaire@dailyherald.comCarmel's Jasmine Minor wins over Glenbrook North Hanna Yu at girls state tennis finals at Fox View Tennis Club in Arlington Heights on Saturday, October 23.