Girls tennis: Scouting DuPage County and Fox Valley

Here’s a look at what to expect this fall for girls tennis teams in DuPage County and the Fox Valley.

BARTLETT

The Hawks, coached by Craig Cichowicz, were 8-8 in dual meets and fourth in the Upstate Eight Conference in 2023.

With the Upstate Eight Conference expanding to 14 teams, the Hawks will be in the West Division, and they return senior Rohini Sliwa and juniors Suhani Patel, Sabikah Musabji and Dhanvi Dhandapani.

"We can improve from last season," said Cichowicz. “Our expectation to compete in all the matches. We are highly motivated to improve. Set the culture and have fun. We have a lot of excitement in our program.”

BATAVIA

Coach Brad Nelson, in his 26th season, has carved out a 385-100-21 record. The Bulldogs were 5-2 in the tough DuKane Conference good enough for third.

Batavia finished second in the rugged Class 2A St. Charles North sectional and 36th in the state. Senior Julia Arulandu, who is hoping to make a third trip to the state meet, has 85 career wins.

Seniors Casey O’Brien and Emma Larson were 32-11 a year ago and state qualifiers.

Senior Ainsley Steinys also returns for the Bulldogs.

Newcomers include seniors Sarah Buckert, Sophia Hayden, Katie Solono and Lizzy Johnson, juniors Mia Tarmichael, Izzy Witt and Annabelle Guthke, sophomore Alex Angelov and freshman Claire Anderson.

"Wheaton North and South return several players and we have a strong conference and outstanding players who do well at the state tournament," said Nelson. "We want to be competitive in every dual meet and weekend events. We want to compete for the top spot in the conference and sectionals. We want to send some players to the state tournament."

BENET

The Redwings have the talent and the experience to claim a Class 1A state title. Benet placed second in the state with 31 points, 1 point behind state champion Chicago University High. The Redwings are the 9-time defending East Suburban Catholic Conference champs and sectional champs.

Returning for 18th-year coach Michael Hand are defending state doubles champions seniors Shane Delaney and Claire Lopatka along with the fifth-place doubles team of seniors Natalie Grover and Katie Jendra. Senior Meredith Converse was a consolation singles champ and sophomore Lily Lopatka was a state qualifier.

Also hoping to contribute to a potential state title run are returners juniors Claire DeSanto and Meghan McCarthy, and junior newcomers Riyaa Jain and Hanah Bobotchak.

"We want to finish high in Class 1A and build on season from last year," said Hand. "We want continued improvement and to defend our ESCC title.“

CARY-GROVE

The Trojans return 6 seniors from the runner-up team in the Fox Valley Conference a year ago. Cary-Grove was also seventh in its own sectional.

Returning are seniors Eva Becirovic, Aubrey Lonegren, Katie Groos, Ellie Mjanes, Michaela Fink and Ava Bogner.

Junior newcomers are Malaina Kurth, Ellie Stawarz, Megan Ptaszek, Dana Werner and Darby Hennessey.

Coach Amanda Schuetzle ranks Huntley as heavy favorite to repeat as FVC champs.

"They have heavy favorites with 9 returning starters back," said Schuetzle. “The remaining teams lose key starters to graduation. There will be a close race for second.”

Schuetzle likes her team’s attitude and work ethic.

"This is a great group of girls," Schuetzle said. “They are team minded and play with great energy in practice which will help us. They have the desire and mentality to learn. We have the potential for success. The bottom line if we compete hard no team will take us lightly."

CRYSTAL LAKE SOUTH

The Gators return sophomore Chelley Appelhans, who carved out a stellar freshman campaign with a 26-6 slate. Also back for South, fourth in the Fox Valley Conference and fifth in the Class 1A St. Francis sectional, are senior Haley Heraty, juniors Riley Sturm and Eliana Rankin, and sophomores Marissa Ulrich and Hannah Koh.

The Gators must replace 9 graduated seniors.

"We will have large number of competitive FVC matches again this season,“ said second-year coach Mark Scheurich. "We want to steadily improve as the season goes on and build on the success from last year even though we have an inexperienced team."

DOWNERS GROVE NORTH

Twentieth-year coach Dana Graczyk welcomes back seniors Megan Southwirth and Makenna Pergatorio along with junior Corinna Irvin and sophomore Olivia Tan. Freshman Sara Marczyk seeks court time.

"We look forward to an outstanding season," said the veteran coach. “Sara is a strong incoming freshman and Corinna, Megan and Olivia have worked on their games in the off-season."

DOWNERS GROVE SOUTH

The Mustangs return state qualifier junior Gabby David while senior Antosia Olechowska was a state qualifier two years ago, and they add newcomer Lily David.

Downers Grove South is the 4-time defending West Suburban Conference Gold champion and was third in Class 2A sectional action.

“Hinsdale South has a strong team this season,” coach Josh Forst said. “It will take a full team performance to beat the Hornets. We are excited for the challenge. We want to win the WSC Gold and compete at the highest level in the state series. We want to have multiple entries at the state meet."

DUNDEE-CROWN

The Chargers under the guidance of Yuto Tsukida hope to improve on an eighth-place finish in the Fox Valley Conference and a 4-10 dual meet record.

Junior Sasha Bozovicj is the top returner. Senior newcomer Maria Diaz is hoping to make the lineup.

"The varsity team is brand new with only three players returning," said Tsukida. "We work hard to prepare for competition. Our main goal is to make sure we are having fun."

FENTON

The Bison were fifth in the Upstate Eight Conference a year ago. With the addition of West Aurora, Riverside-Brookfield, Elmwood Park and Ridgewood, the conference will be divided into East and West.

Returners for the Bison are Gaudalupe Martell, Victoria Socha, Alex Jarmolinski, Kaitlyn Sisto, Tamaya Watson and Angie Torres.

GENEVA

Returners for coach Zach Evans are senior Ellie Grantcharov, juniors Addison Sostak and Chloe Cournaya, and sophomores Corlett Klein and Anishka Jain.

The Vikings hope to improve on a 2-5 record in the DuKane Conference.

"We want to move to the middle of the pack," said Evans. “We had a lot of close matches last year."

GLENBARD EAST

It is a rebuilding season for Rams and first-year coach Scott Llorens.

Senior Taylor Kowallis is the lone returner from a team which posted a third-place finish in the Upstate Eight Conference and fifth in the Downers Grove South sectional.

Newcomers include sophomores Marija Cheeks, Abby Leahy and Jenna Pope

"We have a young, inexperienced team," said the Rams coach. "We have one returning player and a promising new coaching staff. We want a winning culture and a foundation for future success. With four new schools to the conference, there is a lot of competition and a competitive fight for the top three. West Aurora and Glenbard South are the favorites going in."

GLENBARD NORTH

Co-coaches Caroline Gonzalez and Dedra DeBenedetti’s Panthers return seniors Kelly Powers and Kristina Jones along with juniors Megan Reeder and Sydney Gromola.

Freshmen Justine Suyosa and Angela Custano are expected to occupy the No. 1 and 2 singles spots, respectively.

"We have tough competition in one of the toughest conferences (DuKane) in the state," said Gonzalez. “We have the competitive addition of some players and the return of veterans to lead the team. We have worked hard. We want to focus on conference wins. We want to enjoy the atmosphere and bring many new players together.”

GLENBARD SOUTH

First-year coach Michelle Gatz takes over a solid program that won the Upstate Eight Conference and a 1A sectional.

Gatz welcomes back 12 players which include seniors Augusta Leimonas, Emilija Zeikus, Briana Coppolino, Allie Rupp, Emerson Stern and Natalie Buhle along with juniors Sam Sadorf, Tess Robbins, Lucy Mohorovic, Gigi Mohorovic and Anesa Maloku, and sophomore Rylee DePorter.

“We are looking forward to playing new teams as well as teams we have played before,” Gatz said. “We have many goals. We want to defend our conference championship and work towards earning that title. Relationships with teammates will set us up for success."

GLENBARD WEST

Senior Aubrey Creswell was on her way to qualifying for Class 2A state meet before an injury derailed her season.

Freshman Kendall Mehta hopes to make an impact as a first-year player.

"The conference (West Suburban) is a tough conference,“ said coach Kevin Graham. ”There are a lot of great teams top to bottom. It is an extremely strong conference. We want to win a majority of dual meets and qualify as many as we can for state."

HAMPSHIRE

Under first-year coach Tyler Bending, Hampshire seeks to improve on a sixth-place finish in the Fox Valley Conference. Returners include seniors Mackenna Renaldi and Shah Patel and sophomore Luna Kimura.

Newcomers include senior Renee Leonard, and juniors Isabella Kowalak, Alexa Schurring and Elianna Medina.

HINSDALE CENTRAL

The Red Devils hope to improve on a fifth-place finish at the Class 2A state meet a year ago. Under the guidance of Shawna Zsinko, Hinsdale Central won the rugged West Suburban Conference and were sectional champions.

The doubles team of senior Abigail Gambla and junior Sydney Schuster placed in the top nine at the state meet. Other state qualifiers include senior Kotryna Tomas and senior Lauren Panveno.

"We want to win conference, sectionals and qualify everyone for the state meet and get on the podium at the girls state meet," said Zsinko.

HUNTLEY

The Red Raiders return senior state qualifiers Carlie Weishar and Katie Burkey.

The 4-time defending Fox Valley Conference champs also return seniors Trinity Nguyen, Ari Patel, Shea Nagle and Vinutha Depala, juniors Ella Doughty and Julie

Klocker along with sophomore Gia Patel to go with newcomer Haley Rahman.

"We want to have as many state qualifiers as possible and have success at the state meet,“ said 20th-year coach Barry Wells. ”We had a tough sectional draw last season."

IC CATHOLIC PREP

Co-coaches Meghan Doyle and Sarah Tardiff with returners seniors Jamie DePage and Lizzie Cook will try to navigate the Class 1A Knights through the rugged GCAC.

Newcomer sophomore Kathryn Anderson will seek playing time.

“We lost most of our varsity team and we are excited to see where our new and young players stand in a very competitive conference," said Tardiff. ”We are looking for player improvement and growth and focus for our team this year."

JACOBS

Veteran coach Jon Betts returns seniors Camryn Clark and Ava Longo. Newcomers include senior Katy Barr and sophomore Dasha Kozlova.

"We are anticipating a challenging FVC season ahead of us," said Betts. “We are a very young squad that has to learn on the job against very tough competition. We want to concentrate and focus with improvement. We want to give our best effort every day."

KANELAND

The Knights graduated 11 seniors from last year's team that finished fifth in the Interstate 8.

Back for Kaneland, who are Class 1A, are seniors Elle Taylor and Lauren Babka. Junior Lana Ariola is a newcomer to watch.

"We want to have a better conference finish and some state qualifiers," said coach Beth Miller. “It is a rebuilding year. We still want to have an impact while still having fun.”

LAKE PARK

The Lancers want to improve on their fifth-place finish in the DuKane Conference.

Back are senior state qualifiers Jessica Dudas and Neha Murkando.

"We have a strong doubles lineup and hope to produce some great doubles matches in a very competitive conference," said coach Christian Pawlak. "Our season goal is to hold a winning record and aiming to qualify a doubles team to the state tournament."

LARKIN

With 10 returners the Royals hope to improve on a ninth place finish in the Upstate Eight Conference.

Coach Zaida DeBeck welcomes back seniors Natalia Hernandez and Angelique Lara, juniors Camilla Espinoza and Angie Martinez along with sophomores Linda

Alexander, Aeris Orozco, Atziry Serna, Abilgail Connelly, Molly Brown and Marissa Sarmiento Perez.

Newcomers include seniors Alexandra Avila and Karla Salas, junior Catalina Bortoi, sophomores Sophia Sanchez, Veronica Serna, Yanci Perez, Jakelin Villagomez Genesis Gatica, Meghan Ignot, Evelyn Montes, and Rikkie Pretsch, and freshmen Aniya Curry, Melanie Gallardo, Juliyene Lopez and Mia Saldiver.

METEA VALLEY

The Mustangs under 11th-year coach Kole Clousing, return seniors Cosette Cannell, Aarna Raghavapudi, Anisha Madhavan and Vindya Reddy.

Newcomers are sophomores Shresta Nibhanupudi and Ashwin Sharma and freshman Leah Liu.

Metea Valley was fourth in the DuPage Valley Conference a year ago.

"We want to finish in the top three in the conference and have state qualifiers," said Clousing.

NAPERVILLE CENTRAL

The Redhawks return 3-time state qualifier senior Sofia Olaru. Others back for Naperville Central which finished second in the DVC tournament and second in the Class 2A sectional action. Other back are juniors Amy Yang and Claire Cameron.

"We want to be playing our best tennis at the end of the season," said coach Jaclyn Kwiatt. “We want to further develop and have fun.”

NAPERVILLE NORTH

Seniors Gabby Lee and Brooke Coffman have been knocking at the door of a Class 2A doubles state champions. As sophomores in 2022, the dynamic duo were runners-up and in ‘23 Lee and Coffman placed third.

"We really want Brooke and Gabby to win a state championship," said coach Heather Henricksen.

As a team the Huskies were second in the DVC and 2A sectionals and posted an 11th-place effort at the state meet.

Others back are Aanika Parekh, Hasini Peddu, Dhareni Raveendran and Varsha Ramulapati. Freshman Anda Elezi looks for court time.

SOUTH ELGIN

Returners are seniors Sophia Brito and Nicole Sawczyn along with sophomore Bella Flowers.

Newcomers are senior Melanie Zarate, junior Coco Lee and sophomore Abby Wolf.

"We want to be one of the top teams in the conference (Upstate Eight)," said coach Melissa Tuftedal. "We are looking forward to an exciting season with a combination of both veterans and newcomers working together."

ST. CHARLES EAST

The Saints under first-year coach Susan Bolin return junior state qualifier Kelsey Jacobs along with senior returners Avery Sitarz, Alex Nagel, Trinity Tecson, Sawyer

Kannaka, Camila Lopez-Calatayud and Haley Griffin along with junior Layla Sutaria.

They also have junior newcomers Zoe Hermann, Lea Forsell, Clarissa Ungos and sophomore Harper Charlson.

"We are hoping to make a run at some tough teams in the conference," said Bolin. “We want to finish as strong and get as many state qualifiers as possible.”

ST. CHARLES NORTH

The senior doubles duo of Danielle Dejanovic and Shannon Lu finished in the top 12 in Class 2A a year ago.

The North Stars, under the guidance of Sean Masoncup, have won sectional titles in 2022 and 2023.

Also back are state qualifiers and doubles duo senior Maddie Zubal amd junior Reese Thomas along with Eva Weyman and Oivia Riordan. Aria Bhute and Fiona Wendall are newcomers to watch.

ST. FRANCIS

As a member of loaded GCAC, coach Tom Castronovo hopes the league prepares his team for postseason action.

It did last season.

The Spartans claimed their own sectional and placed 22nd in the Class 1A state meet.

With three state qualifiers returning and eight others returning, Castronovo's troops hope to improve on a sixth-place finish in the conference and seek a better finish in the state meet.

The Spartans welcome back 2023 state qualifiers juniors Ashley and Cameron Rajcevich along with senior Elizabeth Szalek.

Gaining varsity experience in 2023 and returning are seniors Tenley Eltoft, Kendall Shields, Gracie Robertson, Meghan Burke, Sasha Zellinger. Liz Weltz and Mariola Henkel along with junior Niamh Gambino.

Newcomers seeking seeking court time seniors Lily Toppen, Raegen Overbeeke, Ava Crowder and Amber Mamminga along with sophomores Carmen Risdon and Elle Steffen.

"The GCAC is always a strong conference," said Castronovo. "We are materially a stronger team than last year and hope to compete. We want to finish top three in the conference, win the sectional again and qualify as many players as possible for the state meet."

TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN

The Trojans enjoyed a solid 2023 campaign finishing second in the Chicagoland Christian Conference, third in a 1A sectional and sixth in the state.

Under 23rd-year coach Keith Mills, the Trojans (10-8 in dual meets), return senior Jane Carter. Along with Crystyna Lee, who graduated, Carter’s doubles team placed second in the state, Carter has made the trek to the state meet all three years.

Others back are seniors Reagan Mowry, Alexa Auriemma, Sami Drye, Fenna Tamelina, Lyndsey LaBardi, Madie Byrd, Evelina Kacilus, Zara Shadid and Leah Hoffman. Freshman Laura LeBardi seeks court time.

"We have 18 seniors and a 30-member team which is a school record," said Mills. “It is amazing for a school of 210 girls. We should challenge Marian Central for the conference championship. Wheaton Academy also returns numerous starters."

WEST AURORA

The Blackhawks under first-year coach Chrissy Ormond-De Swardt, return seniors Avery Michels and Alyssa Fowler.

Newcomers are seniors Amanda Ramirez Garcia, Zoe Arseneau, Brie Guthrie, Sandra Franco, Jamie Garcia, Andrea Macias and Clodagh Creaney, juniors Chelsey Barajas and Katelin Cook, sophomores Mia Kerns, Ellie Hartmanm and Alyssa Falcone along with freshman Elena Grmusa.

"Being new to the Upstate Eight we don't know what to anticipate," said the Blackhawks coach. “We have good competition with the other schools. We want to continue to improve as the season goes on. We have a large contingent of juniors and seniors. We have the maturity to push through We have some talented underclassmen.”

WHEATON ACADEMY

The Warriors were second in the Chicagoland Christian Conference and sixth in the Class 1A sectional. Returners are seniors Ana Hoogerheide and Brielle Ziman, and junior Lizzie Scheidt. Newcomers are freshmen Leah Hilde and Maggie Clousing.

"Players worked hard in the off-season and are focused in pursuit of a conference championship," said coach Joel Visker. “Typically we are very close matchups in the conference with Marian Central and Timothy Christian. We are looking to qualify multiple players to the state tournament.”

WHEATON NORTH

The Falcons fashioned a 18-3 dual meet record, were 6-1 in the DuKane Conference, second behind Wheaton Warrenville South, third in the Class 2A Schaumburg sectional and 42nd in the state in 2023.

Coach Eric Laird, in his 13th season, welcomes back state qualifying doubles team seniors Kaylee Phillips and Stella Tarusha.

Others back include seniors Saede Berner, Grace Eckstrand, Rose Hama, Rasheed Eliza McGraw and Elle Postma along with junior Julia Russell and sophomores Julia Gygorchuk and Jelena Krstic.

Newcomers include juniors Lauren Park and Sonja Oleniczak.

"With 10 returning players we hope to keep climbing in the ranks of the DuKane Conference," said Laird. "We hope to give Wheaton Warrenville South a healthy challenge on the conference. The conference is very deep with many quality players. We want to qualify many positions for the state meet.“

WHEATON WARRENVILLE SOUTH

The Tigers return state qualifiers seniors Kaley McCabe and Brooke Ittersagen along with junior Lauren Morton and sophomore Riley Lepsi. Sophomores Anna Patterson and Kelsey Clousing are others to watch.

WILLOWBROOK

The Warriors were tied for second in the WSC Gold a year ago.

Willowbrook, 12-2 in dual meets, return seniors Avery Solis and Abbie Finnegan along with juniors Hannah Gawat, Shannon Freer and Kiki Smalling.

Newcomers are sophomore Jada Langston and Claire Brennan.

"Downers Grove South and Hinsdale South have strong returners," said coach Ed Delacruz. “We have 15 players who could play varsity at some point. We rely on depth. We can compete with anyone in the conference top to bottom. This is the best team I have coached top to bottom."

YORK

Kara Dollaske's troops enjoyed a successful 2023 campaign. The Dukes were second in the West Suburban Conference Silver Division and second in the sectionals and eighth in the 2A state meet.

York returns a plethora of state qualifiers which includes senior Lizzie Isyanov and Josie Coan, juniors Sofia Filip, Rosie Decrostofano and Olivia Allen and sophomore CJ Coan.

Returners are seniors Lizzy Boychuck and Claudia Clark.

Newcomers are seniors Madeline Mauck, Emma Fahey, Madeline Valeski, Avery Jacobsthal and Elle Kotrogiannis along with juniors Julianna Hickey and Violette Rios.

"The WSC Silver is a tough conference and we want to finish above last year's finish," said Dollaske. “We have a great atmosphere and we are focusing on teamwork. We graduated many seniors but are bringing back many seniors who have contributed."