Round-up: Perkins, Hersey sweep Wheeling

Hersey's Annie Perkins realized she'd experience some rough days this season as a sophomore playing at No. 1 singles.

That was confirmed when she went up against the likes of Fremd's Jenna Langhorst, Buffalo Grove's Nell Boyd and an assortment of players from the North Shore earlier in the year. They all were a step or two above her in talent.

But now that she's gone through that ringer a few times and the season has passed the halfway mark, Perkins has put behind those rough days at No. 1 singles. Lately, it's been a lot more of a paved path for her.

On Wednesday, she continued that route as she won in straight sets over Wheeling's No. 1 player while helping Hersey to a 7-0 win over the Wildcats in a Mid-Suburban East match up in Arlington Heights.

"Annie has gotten better every day out there," Hersey coach Matt Norris said. "It's been a pleasure to watch. It's been because of more practice and confidence for her."

The key for Perkins was not to get down herself as she took her lumps early in the season. When she went up against a top singles player, she made sure to keep a positive mindset.

"I went into the match not thinking about losing, but looking at it as a learning experience," said Perkins, who is .500 on the season. "I learned a lot going up against those players. I watched how they moved after they hit the ball. I learned how to return serves. I learned that I have to play my game."

-- Scott J. Powers

St. Francis d. Driscoll:ŒKristen Kelsay served 11 points, Catherine Culligan reeled off 6 aces and Megan Barnicle bopped 7 kills for the Spartans (19-1, 7-1), who won 25-7, 25-5 in the Suburban Catholic Conference.

Neuqua Valley d. Minooka:ŒThe Wildcats (15-4) won their ninth match in a row on a 27-25, 25-14 nonconference sweep behind Michelle Madeja's 7 kills, Nikki Federico's 6 kills and Shannon McGowan's 15 digs.

Montini d. Aurora Central:ŒThe Broncos (11-10, 4-4) rolled to a 25-16, 25-8 Suburban Catholic Conference triumph fueled by Kelly Schneider's 12 service points, Alyssa Holum's 11 assists and Stephanie Viane's 7 kills.

Reed Custer d. Lisle:ŒCaitlin Kilroy totaled 4 kills for the Lions (8-9) in their 25-17, 25-17 Interstate Eight Conference crossover loss.

Boys soccer

Wheaton Academy 4, Timothy Christian 1:ŒAndrew Knighten scored twice for the Warriors (7-2-4) in the Private School League.