Girls tennis: Scouting Lake County
NORTH SUBURBAN CONFERENCE
LAKE ZURICH
Coach: Ted Heiser (2nd season)
Last season: 5-8 overall, 2-5 NSC duals
Key players lost: Emilia Talar, Miriam Chung, Morgan Kaplan, Dawna Tabachnik
Top returning players: Laura Zborovsky (Sr.), Jordan Dickson (Sr.), Lea McCoy (Sr.); Sophia de los Reyes (Jr.), Masha Ignatenko (Jr.), Anna Biergans (Jr.).
Newcomers: Allie VanZant (Sr.), Emily Groeller (Jr.), Lauren Baab (Jr.), Lauren Bertoia (Jr.); Sofia Bryukhova (Fr.), Victoria Tchalakov (Fr.)
Season outlook: The Lady Bears graduated four seniors who contributed significantly to leadership and depth as well as wins. But second-year coach Ted Heiser and Co. return a solid core of 4 seniors as well as a talented bunch of newcomers from the JV squad. "It's great to see first-year varsity players coming through our own JV program as well as our talented freshman playing the USTA summer circuit," Heiser said. "Both avenues will continue to grow the program. And our seniors' outstanding leadership will help mentor the new players to varsity as well as provide solid doubles play throughout the lineup." The singles lineup will be anchored by juniors Sophia de los Reyes and Masha Ignatenko, both of whom had winning records last fall and, according to Heiser, have the capability to take their games to the next level. Laura Zborovsky, Jordan Dickson, Lea McCoy and Allie VanZant are seniors who will be key this season. "Their outstanding leadership will help mentor the new players to varsity as well as provide solid doubles play throughout the lineup," Heiser said. "They all have the ability to have the best seasons of their careers." Anna Biergans, Emily Groeller, Lauren Baab, Lauren Bertoia, Sofia Bryukhove and Victoria Tchalakov will all be major contributors throughout the lineup as well. "I'm expecting more than a couple break out performers from this group," Heiser said, "as the talent level is high."
LIBERTYVILLE
Coach: Dan Kiernan (15th season)
Last season: third in NSC, third in sectionals
Key losses: Callie Klien, Dani Blaser (Boston University)
Top returning players: Kiley Nolan (So.)
Newcomers: Lily VanDixhorn (Fr.), Amanda Black (Fr.)
Season outlook: The bad news is the Cats lost a slew of talented seniors to graduation, including the No. 1 doubles team of Dani Blaser and Callie Klien, who finished in the top 24 at state last fall. The good news is, though, numbers are excellent. "We had a huge freshman turnout with some good talent," said coach Dan Kiernan. Freshman Lily VanDixhorn and Amanda Black anchor the top of the singles lineup. "They are young but will do pretty well as top players in the area," Kiernana said. "Amanda is starting to get her game back, and Lily is so fast and a great scrambler." Sophomore Kiley Nolan is the strongest of the doubles contingent with the top-3 doubles teams being interchangeable, Kiernan said. Libertyville is off to a misleading 0-2-1 start to the new campaign, but that's not unusual given the strength of the Wildcats' schedule.
MUNDELEIN
Coach: Shelley Majewski (second season)
Last season: fifth in NSC, fourth in sectionals
Key players lost: Kalli Majewski (playing club tennis at Xavier University), Jessica Peterson and Kelli Cigelnik
Top returning players: Bree Park (Sr.), Isabel Alviar (Jr.), Abbie Walter (So.), Maggie Lukas (So.), Mikayla Edquiban (So.), Kylie Brua (So.)
Newcomers: Rosie Gomez (Jr.), Citlalli Gonzales (Jr.), Maya Vides (Jr.), Bailey Emil (Jr.), Alexis Hyde (Fr.), Elizabeth Heraty (Fr.)
Season outlook: Second-year coach Shelley Majewski and the girls are looking for some good results this year. And a lot has to do with attitude. "They have been working very hard during the off-season and it shows," Majewski said. "All of the girls on the team are ready to play hard and go after what they are hoping to achieve this year." Junior Isabel Alviar is one of the top singles players in the area, having qualified for state in each of her first two years at Mundelein. "She's our top singles player and will do as well or even better," Majewski said. "I'm looking forward to accompanying her there (state) again this year," Majewski also has high hopes for the new No. 1 doubles team of sophomore Mikayla Edquiban and freshman Alexis Hyde. "We're looking forward to a very exciting season as the additions to our team have proved to be very strong athletes and dedicated to the sport," Majewski said. "They are looking forward to some great competition and successes along the way, and I believe they will do very well in conference as well as sectionals. And we're hoping get as many players to state as possible."
STEVENSON
Coach: Tom Stanhope (eighth season)
Last season: 15-0 overall, sectional and NSC champs, second in state meet
Key losses: Dhwani Kumar
Top returning players: Zoe Taylor (Sr.), Kate Harvey (Sr.), Sam Burger (Sr.), Bronwyn Heidkamp (Sr.), Elizabeth Ferdman (Jr.), Alyssa Glaser (Jr.), Athena Kolli (So.), Ellen Ma (So.)
Newcomers: Carly Lefar (Sr.), Ambika Singh (Sr.), Maggie Gong (So.), Kaya Rand (So.), Sneha Yellapantula (So.)
Season outlook: Once again, chances are the Green and Gold will be there until the end when the state meet rolls around in October. The Patriots, who finished second at state last fall, are loaded again and look to pick right up where it left off. "Everything we're doing this season is going to lead up to the playoffs," coach Tom Stanhope said. "It's all about improving. Of course, we want to win every match we play, but more importantly we want to use every opportunity to improve." The Pats' schedule is packed with some top-tier teams, which will bode well for the girls learning as much as they can about themselves. "Then we're going to work on improving our weaknesses and developing/executing strategies for opponents," Stanhope said. "The idea is that we peak at the end of the season." And as usual, the goals haven't altered: win the NSC and qualify the whole team for state and finish as high it as can.
WARREN
Coach: Vince DeSecki (16th season)
Last season: third in NSC, second in sectionals
Key losses: Kristina Danos, Lily Honnold
Top returning players: Britta Johnson (Sr.), Zoe Serelis (Sr.), Ayusha Ayalur (Sr.), Frankie Grimes (Jr.), Ally Kolar (Jr.), Linsy Jante (Jr.), Sabrina Mella (So.)
Newcomers: Nisha Shiroor (Jr.), Olivia Wong (Fr.)
Season outlook: Last year, the Devils had three state qualifiers, including top singles player Sabrina Mella and the No. 1 doubles team of Kristina Danos and Lily Honnold, who have graduated. Chances are Warren could again have three if not more make it to Buffalo Grove next month. Britta Johnson and Zoe Serelis were all-NSC last year and will anchor the doubles contingent, while Mella, also all-conference last year, is in the top singles spot again. "Our goal is to always finish top three in conference and try to qualify players for the state tournament," coach Vince DeSecki said. "We have a great group of girls who love to compete and have good match play experience."
NORTHERN LAKE COUNTY CONFERENCE
ANTIOCH
Coach: Jamie D'Andrea (fourth season)
Last season: second in NLCC, first in sectional
Key losses: Sjana Henderson (College of Lake County), Emma DeJong, Elizabeth Gardner
Top returning players: Kelsey Neville (Sr.), Sierra Ward (So.)
Newcomers: Gabby Good (Jr.), Brianna Fisher (So.)
Season outlook: Kelsey Neville made quite a splash at state last fall in finishing fourth. Expectations are high again for the senior, who is ready to embrace the rugged singles path that the NLCC has to offer. "I expect her to do well throughout the season and into the state tournament," said coach Jamie D'Andrea, whose girls will be looking for a third straight sectional title this fall. Big things are expected perhaps of not only Neville but sophomore Sierra Ward as well at No. 2 singles. "She is a fundamentally sound tennis player who has already begun improving her singles strategy and shot combinations," said D'Andrea. The coach went on to say both Neville and Ward are veteran players whose skills have been honed and tested in a variety of off-season play, and that their involvement in the program continues to strengthen the other players. The weak spot might lie in the varying experience levels of the remaining players. "Though we have eight players returning, all of those players are playing different positions," D'Andrea said. "So it'll take a couple of weeks of matches to get used to. Once they're acclimated, I'm looking forward to another winning season as a result." The Sequoits evened their mark at 3-3 when they beat Grant 6-1 for their first conference win of the season.
GRANT
Coach: Shea Wintersteen (sixth season)
Last season: 7-5 overall, fifth in NLCC, fourth in sectionals
Key players lost: Gaby Schoenberg (Cleveland State), Kyrsten Bruce (Marian University)
Top returning players: Anna Douglas (Sr.), Kennedy Kiesgen (Sr.), Carly Burgeson (Jr.), Elis Lelchuk (So.)
Season outlook: The Bulldogs are in a bit of rebuilding mode after losing four-time state qualifier Gaby Schoenberg and four-year No. 1 doubles player Kyrsten Bruce. "We are expecting to have a difficult season compared to last year with the loss of Gaby and Kyrsten," said coach Shea Wintersteen. "Both players came in their freshman year with years of experience and easily made the varsity squad. This year we have only two seniors on varsity, with the majority of players in their sophomore or junior year." The coach added the freshman turnout was solid, with 22 trying out over the last two years. "These include girls that have been coming to our summer tennis camps since elementary school, so it is nice to have a lot of talent return after so much has left the program at Grant," Wintersteen said. "I'm excited to see the team grow in ability and skill throughout the season." After playing No. 2 singles last year, Elis Lelchuk moves to the top spot this season. Carly Burgeson also moves up to the No. 2 singles spot, while Anna Douglas and Kennedy Kiesgen will play No. 1 doubles.
GRAYSLAKE CENTRAL
Coach: Chuck Lawson (11th season)
Last season: NLCC dual meet and tournament champs, fifth in sectionals
Key returning players: Lia Boucek (Sr.), Fran Tolentino (Sr.), Arva Reddy (Sr.), Veronica Mussay (Sr.), Anna O'Keefe (Sr.)
Newcomers: Jenna Smith (Sr.), Charlie Bloede (Jr.), Aashna Varma (Jr.), Emilia Swierczek (Jr.), Erica Joo (Jr.), Mia Falconi Fr.)
Season outlook: With nine seniors back, the Rams look like a strong bet to repeat as NLCC champs. All four doubles teams were conference champs a year ago, while depth and balance also showed at sectionals when all players advanced to the quarterfinals. "They lost to seeded players in a very strong sectional," coach Chuck Lawson said. "Our hope is to win conference again and get players to state." Lia Boucek will play No. 1 singles, while Fran Tolentino and Arva Reddy will be at No. 1 doubles. Veronica Mussay and Anna O'Keefe look to open some eyes at No. 2 doubles. Jenna Smith, Charlie Bloede, Erica Joo and Mia Falconi add depth at singles, while Aashna Varma and Emilia Swierczek will team together in doubles. Grayslake Central got off to a great start when it won its opener, 7-0 over McHenry. First varsity victories were earned by Falconi and Smith in singles, and Bloede/Joo and Varma/Swierczek in doubles.
GRAYSLAKE NORTH
Coach: Jill Tomasello (12th season)
Last season: 3-12, sixth in NLCC, seventh in sectionals
Key players lost: Emma Indlecoffer (Judson College), Catie Dole, Gabby Charbonneau, Jaclyn Williams
Top returning players: Taylor Spiewak (Sr.), Caroline Kowalski (Sr.), Lucy Dalton (Jr.), Emily Miller (Jr.), Kayla Wall (Jr.)
Newcomers: Danjiela Lowey (So.), Hannah Pawlowski (Fr.)
Season outlook: With the loss of several key players, the Knights will feature an entirely new singles lineup, which coach Jill Tomasello and the girls have high hopes for. "Although our top 2 players are young, they are very hardworking and determined athletes who we think should do well in those positions," Tomasello said. "Plus, we think with them being so young, this will bode well for our team and our program for the next couple of years as their experience and confidence continues to grow." Grayslake North will also have entirely new combinations in its doubles lineup. "But we have some athletes who have worked very hard in the offseason, and we are excited to see them form new relationships as they build come great partnerships," Tomasello said. "We know that we are a fairly young team this year, but this gives us a lot of things to look forward to over the next couple of seasons."
LAKES
Coach: Bryan Plinske (12th season)
Last season: 4-8, fourth in NLCC, sixth in sectionals
Key losses: Alyssa Matthews (College of Lake County), Sydney Misiek (CLC), Sarah Gattone, Sarah Gajda, Maddie Tryner, Kyla Knauf
Top returning players: Kylie Jozwik (Jr.), Melissa Variny (Jr.), Natalie Grolmes (Jr.), Nicole Jones (Jr.), Molly Monson (Jr.)
Newcomers: Siara Magee (Sr.), Paige Humpa (So.), Megan Heuser (Fr.)
Season outlook: The outlook is bright for the Eagles, who boast a nice balance of experience and youth on the team." Our top doubles teams has a year of varsity experience under their belts, and they know what it takes to finish a season strong," coach Bryan Plinske said. "We have very positive leadership on the team and many of the girls worked hard in the off-season to prepare for this year. We have a dedicated crew who are looking to make some noise in the NLCC." Lakes will be extremely competitive in the conference and, according to the coach, should make a run for one of the top spots. And a lot depends on mindset. "Mental toughness, power, coachability are three strengths we have as a team," said Plinske. "In the short season we've played so far, a number of positions have been impressive in tiebreakers and have remained cool under pressure. The players haven't gotten rattled in those high-stakes moments." Noticeable improvements in the power game and hitting the ball much harder and with more confidence is leading to good results thus far. "It has been so much fun to work with these players," Plinske said. "We'll go through a drill one time and the players understand how to implement the skill into match play. Many of the girls understand the game and where to go and what shot to hit." Lakes played well in its opening tournament, finishing fourth in the Jacobs Invite. Freshman Megan Heuser is 5-0 at No. 1 singles, while the No. 2 doubles team of Kylie Jozwik and Melissa Variny are 4-1, as is the No. 2 tandem of Natalie Grolmes and Nicole Jones.
ROUND LAKE
Coach: Atom Davis (fourth season)
Last season: seventh in NLCC
Top returning players: Jessica Arteaga (Jr.), Citlali Rodriguez (Jr.), Susanna Albor (Jr.)
Season outlook: The good news is the Panthers return their entire starting lineup from a year ago. Jessica Arteaga is back at No. 1 singles, while doubles will be anchored by the No. 1 duo of Citlali Rodriguez and Susanna Albor. "I can say with certainty that we have improved significantly over this summer and into the early part of this season," said Davis. "I look forward to our team progressing and improving upon our overall and conference record from last year." Round Lake plays a home match against Woodlands Academy next Wednesday, Sept. 6 at Shag Bark Park.
WAUCONDA
Coach: Ryan Whitfield (third season)
Last season: 12-6, third in NLCC, fourth in sectional
Key losses: Emma Lewandowski (Marian University), Charlene Bernardo, Jessica Diol, Hailey Brew, Diana Casas
Top returning players: Sarah Hackman (Sr.), Hayley Hausherr (Sr.), Katie Giever (Sr.), Taylor Splingaire (Jr.), Morgan Bilancia (Jr.), Maggie Bonefas (Jr.), Grace Lewandowski (So.)
Newcomers: Spozmai Khan (Sr.), Olivia Batson (Sr.), Ana Ortiz (Sr.), Sabrina Jurcisin (Sr.)
Season outlook: Expectations are high with the Bulldogs returning seven players with varsity experience. With a strong conference schedule, every dual match will be a battle. "We hope to compete for the conference championship after finishing third last year," coach Ryan Whitfield said. Wauconda moves to Class 1A for sectionals and the coach feels it will give them the opportunity to qualify more players for state. Sarah Hackman returns for her fourth year at No. 1 singles. "She had excellent success over the summer playing in tournaments and is ready for her senior season," Whitfield said. Hackman finished in the top-24 in Class 2A last year and is hoping for a higher finish with the switch to 1A. There will be fierce competition within the conference as several players at No. 1 singles rank among the best in the state. Morgan Bilancia moves from doubles to the No. 2 singles spot. "She has improved tremendously from last year, and I expect her to have a good season," said Whitfield. Maggie Bonefas will play No. 3 singles for the Bulldogs after performing well in that spot at last year's conference tournament. Doubles play will be a major point of emphasis in practice this season. "We have more returning players at doubles than in recent years," Whitfield said. Taylor Splingaire returns for her second year at No. 1 doubles where she will team with Hayley Hausherr. "I am extremely excited about this particular team and feel that they have tremendous potential to improve over the course of the season," said Whitfield. Grace Lewandowski and Katie Giever will team up at No. 2 doubles. Both are strong competitions with varsity experience. Spozmai Khan and Olivia Batson have impressed as well in the early going, while Sabrina Jurcisin and Ana Ortiz have contributed at No. 4 doubles. "They have great chemistry on the court and look to translate their success to the varsity level," Whitfield said.
EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC CONFERENCE
CARMEL CATHOLIC
Coach: Chris Kannenberg (sixth season)
Key players lost: Marie Kapelevich, Karina Falkstrom
Returning players: Anamaria Buschman (Sr.), Eliza Butler (Sr.), Grace Butz (Sr.), Michelle Costanzo (Sr.), Jamie Esperson (Sr.), Chloe Hirth (Sr.), Reagan McGinn (Sr.), Amanda Melillo (Sr.), Emma Rapplean (Sr.)
Other key players: Ericka Beckman (Jr.), Allison Bryant (Jr.), Brooke Duncan (Jr.), Laurel Racette (Jr.), Charlotte Titus (Jr.), Lucy Tarcha (Jr.), Morgan Terry (Jr.), Melanie Zimmerman (Jr.); Isabella Holaday (So.), Emma Thomas (So.)
Season outlook: The Corsairs lost their top doubles team in Karina Falkstrom and Marie Kapelevich, who were state qualifiers in each of the last three years. But Carmel has nine seniors and a good core of juniors to add depth. Newcomers Isabella Holaday and Emma Thomas start their varsity careers for Carmel, which looks to contend for an ESCC title this fall.
CENTRAL SUBURBAN LEAGUE NORTH DIVISION
VERNON HILLS
Coach: Doug Gerber (17th season)
Last season: 8-10 overall, fourth in CSL, first in sectional
Key players lost: Garima Arora, Emily Carido, Kathy Chen, Ashwini Deshpande, Miracle Faller, Leah Jacoby, Olivia Jazbutis, Pavani Pandravada, and Jessica Tartakovsy
Key returning players: Sydney Pacer (Sr.), Weronika Przybylo (Sr.)
Other key players: Lindsey Hansen (Sr.), Sophia Li (Jr.), Lily Meng (Jr.), Hannah Oppenheim (Jr.), Ria Subramanian (Jr.), Jane Rogers (So.), Anoushka Chaudhry (So.), Anjali Parande (Fr.), Claudia Bilke (Fr.), Amani Vaswani (Fr.)
Season outlook: The Cougars are looking to build on last year when the school won its first sectional title in its 17-year history. Doubles will be a big strength and be anchored by the No. 1 tandem of Sydney Pacer and Weronika Przybylo. Freshman Claudia Bilke and junior Ria Subramanian will add punch to the singles lineup. "We have only two seniors back, so the younger players will need to accelerate their learning curve," coach Doug Gerber said. Vernon Hills will compete in the CSL North for the second year now, and expectations remain the same. "We're hoping to repeat as champs at our own sectional," Gerber said.