Dawson looking strong as St. Francis tops St. Charles East

Take it from Sam Leopardo of St. Charles East: Kyle Dawson is well on his way to be back to 100 percent.

Dawson, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery that was performed last spring, defeated Leopardo 6-0, 6-0 to lead host St. Francis to a 5-2 win over the Saints on Monday in a tune-up meet that was scheduled to help the athletes prepare for this weekend's sectional.

"He hits amazing winners," said Leopardo, who is usually a doubles player. "When I come to the net he can hit it past me with either hand. He's quick and he gets everything back at you. He can put the ball wherever he wants."

The one area of Dawson's game that hasn't fully returned is the pace of his serve, and he's taking that slowly to make sure that he doesn't re-injure the elbow.

He is on track to be fully recovered and serving like the old Kyle Dawson by the time he enters Yale in the fall.

"I'm always going to try to win," said Dawson. "But I'm not going to push myself risk an injury."

St. Francis coach Marcia Bussey is impressed by the patience Dawson has shown the past year as he meticulously follows doctor's orders for his rehabilitation.

"He's done exactly what he's supposed to do," Bussey said. "I'm very proud of how hard he's worked and how patient he's been. His arm will be stronger than ever by the time he starts college."

"It's really hard to try to compete at the highest level when you're not 100 percent," Dawson said. "But it has given me more discipline to know when I have to stop."

The Spartans (10-7) also got singles victories from Mike Vale in the No. 2 spot and No. 4 singles Dan McCarthy.

First doubles Spencer Angesten and Chris Pivonka continued their winning ways with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Nick Romano and Justin Bowman, who are usually the first two singles players for the Saints (11-4).

"Angsten and Pivonka have done such a great job for us," said Bussey. "There isn't anybody who gives 100 percent more than these guys. They hate to lose. They're comfortable at the net and they can put away the shots."

Kyle Bhatia and Bobby Miller won their third doubles match 6-0, 6-0 for the Spartans.

For St. Charles East, Nick Niemiec won a three-setter at over Carlton Gossett at third singles 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 and Paul Reiff and David O'Dell topped Matt Vale and Kyle Wood of St. Francis at second doubles 7-5, 7-5.

"We decided to mix our lineup up today," said Sena Drawer, who was filling in for head coach Rob Livermore. "We still have a lot of things to work on this week to prepare for the Lake Park Sectional. We believe we can get a singles player and a doubles team through to state."

St. Francis will play at the Naperville North sectional this weekend.