MSL trio advances in singles
The IHSA girls tennis state tournament got under way Thursday for a field of 128 hopeful state contenders across the Northwest suburbs.
And after a day of play, Hinsdale Central and Lake Forest led all competition with 22 points. New Trier is in third place with 20, while Deerfield has 18 points in fourth.
“My girls already have exceeded expectations,” said Hinsdale Central head coach Robin Kramer. “Last year's state team is 100 percent different, which makes me really proud about the way they're playing.”
Barrington senior Kristy Dodge will compete against Stevenson freshman Alexxis Kiven in today's fourth round of the championship bracket.
“I'm just trying to be relaxed as possible,” Dodge said of playing in her fourth state tournament. “As my coach (Tracy Waters-Miller) says, play with her eyes closed. Hopefully the (Barrington doubles teams) can pick up a few more points.”
Buffalo Grove senior Nell Boyd faces off with Carmel senior Jasmine Minor after they advanced to the fourth round.
“(Nell) has nothing to lose this year,” said BG coach Kevin Schrammel of Boyd, playing in her fourth and final state tournament. “She's been trying to enjoy her last tournament and wants to do better than her previous couple of years.
“Like a lot of players, she plays a lot better when she's relaxed.”
Schaumburg sophomore Monica Lin also advanced to the fourth round to face Grayslake North junior Kelly Poggensee-Wei.
The biggest surprise in singles was Mundelein sophomore Ari Dechter's 6-3, 6-3 upset of top-seeded Maddie Lipp of Lake Forest in the third round. Dechter faces Maine South junior Audrey O'Connor in the fourth round.
Deerfield sophomore Alexis Casati advanced to the fourth-round, and she will face off against Crystal Lake senior Nelle Youel.
“(Casati's) season seemed to hit a turning point when she played against (Buffalo Grove) Nell Boyd and (Mundelein) Jasmine Minor, because she knew she could play with top players,” said Deerfield coach Rich Koukol. “Those were crucial to her season and since she has played unbelievable.
“(Youel) will be a tough match. From here on out everything is going to be high caliber tennis. Alexis is prepared and has worked hard in practice. This is a good test and we'll see what happens.”
Prairie Ridge's defending state champion doubles team of Carolyn Huerth and Allison Murphy advanced to the fourth round.