Walker-Lipov epic to be continued

The sky darkened. The weather got colder. And the audience grew.

By the time the No. 1 singles match between Palatine's Katrina Walker and Schaumburg's Sonia Lipov was postponed due to darkness Tuesday, it had lasted nearly three hours and had showed no sign of ending any time soon.

In a battle of two different playing styles, neither had budged. Walker, a senior, kept her patient approach, lobbying shots high into air and waiting for Lipov to make a mistake. Lipov, a sophomore, didn't take the bait and picked her spots to attack.

Although Palatine already has the Mid-Suburban League West meeting won -- winning 5-1 on the other courts at Schaumburg -- Walker and Lipov will resume their epic match Thursday. It will restart in the third set with Walker leading 3-2.

For Lipov, it's a match she'd like to still win, but she knows from just playing in it she'll be a better player down the line.

"I've never played a girl like her," Lipov said. "It's a new experience for me. I can learn a lot from a player like her. It takes patience and perseverance to play her.

"This is my first year at the No. 1 position. It's pretty overwhelming, but I've been able to handle it well."

Palatine coach Anita Lee noticed.

"I'm impressed to see a sophomore to have such strong nerves," Lee said. "It takes a certain type of player to do that. I was also impressed that both players stayed calm, didn't get frustrated and kept their sportsmanship."

Lee was happy with the Pirates from top to bottom. In singles, Tricia Walker (No. 2) and Jenna Herra (No. 3) won for Palatine. At doubles, Ann Wedell/Katie Ryba (No. 1), Rachel Dailey/Kylie Kosulic (No. 3) and Kayla Richardson/Riko Takemura (No. 4) were also victorious.

For Wedell and Ryba, expectations are higher their second year around at No. 1 doubles. Last season, they were within one match of earning a trip to state. They have noticed the year of experience had made a difference in their doubles game.

"We're more confident," Ryba said.

Wedell added, "If we're down, we pick each other up. We don't give up."

Schaumburg's No. 2 doubles team of Kayla Linsner and Sarah Alexander won its match 6-4, 6-0 over Palatine.