BG's Boyd showing great promise

Buffalo Grove coach Kevin Schrammel knew freshman Nell Boyd was going to be a special tennis player for the Bison.

A month into the season, he's beginning to see just how special.

In one of the most challenging matches in her young high school career, Boyd defeated Crystal Lake Central's Nelle Youel in three sets to win the No. 1 singles title of Prospect's Power 8 Invite on Saturday.

With the win, Boyd also remained undefeated on the season -- she's played a combined 15 matches in singles and doubles. Since being placed in No. 1 singles last week, she's won Buffalo Grove's invite, beat Elk Grove's top player and won Saturday's invite.

"She really is able to elevate her play from opponent to opponent," Schrammel said. "It's pretty amazing. I knew she was good, but … "

Despite Boyd's first-place finish and a number of other Bison placing high on Saturday, Deerfield still prevailed and won the invite for the second consecutive year with a total of 45 points.

The Warriors were followed by Buffalo Grove (38 points), Naperville North (34), Lake Zurich (23), Stevenson (19), St. Charles North (18), Crystal Lake Central (16) and Prospect (10).

Entering the No. 1 singles final, Boyd knew of Youel and her ability. Boyd was nervous as play began, but quickly settled down and took the first set 6-4 as she tried to force Youel to hit with her backhand rather than her overpowering forehand.

In the second set, Boyd stopped doing what had gotten her ahead and Youel fought back, taking the set 6-3.

"In the second set, I was pressing and was upset with myself," Boyd said. "I was missing easy shots. I wasn't moving and playing as hard as the first set. In the third set, I calmed down."

After a talk with a Schrammel, Boyd returned to her game and the lead. She won the third set 6-4 and finished the day a perfect 3-0.

Kate Meyers (third place at No. 2 singles), Emily Wieland (first in No. 1 singles), Ashton Nisbet/Heather Nisbet (third place at No. 1 doubles) and Mary Newhauser/Karolina Wzny (third place at No. 3 doubles) helped the Bison to their finish. Buffalo Grove was without two of its usual starters in Jen Immen and Meg Crompton, who both were taking the ACT.

Deerfield took first place in all four doubles matches. Meghan Frankl (No. 2 singles) Claire Mason (No. 3 singles) finished second in their respective brackets for the Warriors.

Naperville North's Ashley Ferkol won No. 2 singles.