Carmel duo savors state opportunity

Carmel seniors Lauren Aguilar and Michelle Kunkler have nothing against school per se.

Of course, what high school student wouldn't rather have an excused absence to run around outside?

That's just what Carmel's No. 1 doubles team (29-3) will get to do today when the girls high school state tennis tournament begins at District 211 and 214 high schools. Aguilar and Kunkler, a No. 9-16 seed, will open with Belleville West's Alanna Kurek and Sarah Benson at 9 a.m. at Conant.

"I never thought I would be playing at state," Aguilar said.

Aguilar played No. 1 singles the last two years. Although she was an accomplished player, she could never get through what was always one of the toughest sectionals in the state. Kunkler, the No. 2 player, ran into the same problem.

Then they had a brainstorm. Sophomore Jasmine Minor would be playing high school tennis this year and would ably take over at No. 1 singles.

What if Aguilar and Kunkler teamed up and played No. 1 doubles?

"We were sick of playing singles and thought it would be fun to play doubles in our senior year," Aguilar said.

After getting the go-ahead from coach Nancy Fehn, the duo practiced together all summer. They even played some challenge matches against their dads, both tennis aficionados.

Aguilar and Kunkler proved to be quick studies. Within no time, they meshed into one of the area's best doubles teams. As the season progressed, they started thinking more and more like doubles players.

"We (started) rallying at the baseline, but now we're getting more aggressive at the net," Kunkler said. "We just like to put it away and end the point."

Fehn has enjoyed watching Aguilar and Kunkler become more sophisticated doubles players.

"They've shown superior ability and exceeded my expectations," she said.

Kunkler, who played No. 1 doubles as a freshman, keeps Aguilar relaxed on the court.

"Playing with Michelle has made doubles a lot easier," Aguilar said. "Her personality is really uplifting. She calms me down and gets me to (concentrate on) the next point."

Kunkler is impressed with how quickly Aguilar has adjusted to doubles.

"She's really great at the net," Kunkler said. "She has good touch and can angle her volleys anywhere."

Expect this popular team to have a sizable cheering section at the state tournament.

"A lot of my friends are making shirts; they're going all out," Aguilar said.

Aguilar and Kunkler got a taste of the school's reaction when they showed up Monday morning.

"Our (names) were on the board outside the school," Kunkler said. "Everyone has been congratulating us. I didn't think it would be such a big deal. It's been really exciting."

• Minor, who battled foot and leg pain throughout her sectional semifinal and final matches Saturday, pronounced herself ready for the state tournament.

Minor, a 9-16 seed with a 29-1 record, rested Sunday and Monday. She practiced Tuesday and was pain free.

"I'm feeling great right now," she said. "My energy was back. My leg and foot didn't bother me at all."