Hinsdale Central sets state record

Hinsdale Central showed this weekend that it deserves consideration as Illinois' all-time greatest girls tennis team.

In winning its second straight championship, the Red Devils scored 50 team points, a state record, and had its entire team still playing Saturday, with three of four entries in the main draw.

Sophomores Courtney Dolehide and Nida Hamilton, who have been unbeaten in two seasons, more than 60 matches as partners, took home their second straight state doubles title.

And the scary thing is that the Red Devils could be even better next year with most of the last two state champion and conference lineup returning.

"We had a great tournament," said Hinsdale Central coach Jerilyn Scardina. "Everyone improved on their performance of last year, and that's what we were aiming for. We scored the most points of any team in history, and that's a tribute to our talent and our depth."

Dolehide and Hamilton proved practically invincible in winning their second straight state title, looking even better than they did last year.

"They've been the best doubles team in the state two years in a row and they're still getting better," said Hinsdale Central doubles coach Robin Kramer. "They're both outstanding, nationally ranked singles players and they've incorporated those skills into the art of doubles. This year they had more control of every match from the get-go."

"We're a lot more aggressive and we have a lot more confidence than we did last year," Dolehide said. "We're working together a lot better."

Using a volleyball reference, Kramer characterized Hamilton as the smooth, gliding setter and Dolehide as the more powerful spiker but concedes that they both have skills that make them effective beyond each role.

"This year we took a little from each other, so we can both do anything whenever we want," Hamilton said.

The Red Devils' Hanna Mar, another sophomore, finished second in singles, bowing 6-1, 6-3 in the final to Elizabeth Epstein of F.W. Parker of Chicago.

Downers Grove South, which finished second in the team standings with 27 points, was led by four-time state qualifier Katie Kargl, who topped Julie Flanzer of Highland Park 6-1, 6-3 for third place.

Kargl, who this year set her school's all-time record with 177 victories, also won the Tom Pitchford Sportsmanship Award recognizing her exceptional sportsmanship, pride and achievement in school.

"It feels great to end my senior year with a victory and my highest finish at state," Kargl said. "Winning the sportsmanship award has made this a truly amazing day. I can't even explain the feeling that people think of me that way."

Downers Grove South Peter Freischlag spoke about Kargl and her career as a Mustang.

"The Pitchford Award speaks more to who Katie is than the third-place finish," Fresichlag said. "She's a wonderful player and athlete, but as a person, she's the finest I've ever dealt with. She's the genuine article."

Kargl will attend William and Mary in the fall.

York and Glenbard West tied for 14th at 13 points.