Fox Valley girls tennis weekend
At Larkin
With all local teams in this field, the area is guaranteed 12 players in next week's state tournament. And Jacobs figures to play a big role in getting its hands on some of those state tickets. The Golden Eagles have enjoyed tremendous success at this sectional in recent years. Since 2003, Jacobs has won 5 straight sectional titles by a combined 80 points and has sent 10 singles players (the maximum) and 7 doubles teams (3 short of the maximum) to the state tournament. Returning state qualifier Jen Ruther (2-time sectional runner-up) and Sarah Powers are Jacobs' singles entries, while the teams of Kellie Stoka-Melissa Blunk and Heather Graham-Aimee Neilan are the doubles entries for the Golden Eagles. Ruther is the No. 1 singles seed. Jacobs coach Jon Betts said selecting the sectional team was not an easy task. "We have 8-9 players all deserving of a sectional spot," said Betts. "Following a stressful decision process, we have our final six, who we're confident will represent us very well." Stoka and Graham are also returning state qualifiers for Jacobs. Dundee-Crown, Elgin Academy, Elgin, Larkin, St. Edward, Hampshire, Huntley, South Elgin and Streamwood are also in the sectional.
At Cary-Grove
State power Prairie Ridge is the overwhelming team favorite at the Cary-Grove sectional, which was moved from Crystal Lake Central after the passing of longtime CLC coach Judy Elder. The Wolves finished third in the state last year and return a number of key contributors from that team including Allison Murphy, Carolyn Huerth and Julie and Jackie Schwartz. "Prairie Ridge has three stoppers that really no one else in the area can compete with," said Crystal Lake South coach Don Nead. "But we'll go out there and do the best we can against them." Nead has put his top 2 singles players (Abby Kolarczyk and Stephanie Brunetti) in the doubles division. That pairing earned a No. 4 seed, while South's regular No. 1 doubles team of Liana Semchuk and Laura Roesslein (state qualifier in 2007) are the No. 2 seed in the doubles group. Kelsey Harper and Rachel Boorom are South's singles entries. This field also includes host Cary-Grove, Belvidere, Belvidere North, Crystal Lake Central, Marengo, McHenry, Woodstock and Marian Central. The top 4 singles players and the top 4 doubles teams advance to next week's state tournament
At. St. Charles East
Bartlett is in the field at St. Charles East along with Glenbard North, DeKalb, Geneva, Kaneland, St. Charles East, St. Charles North, Sycamore, West Chicago and Wheaton Academy.