Losses may turn positive for Marx, Viator

St. Viator's Jackie Marx had a tough week heading into today's Rolling Meadows tennis sectional.

It began with back-to-back losses and a fourth-place finish in the East Suburban Catholic Conference tournament on Saturday. On Tuesday, she lost in straight sets to Prairie Ridge freshman phenom Allison Murphy.

To some, it probably wouldn't seem like the ideal route going into the biggest weekend of the season. But to Marx and Lions coach Dan Tripamer, it's perfect.

"I think it's a positive," Tripamer said. "I think it's unrealistic to play cupcake teams before sectionals. I think she can learn from what she did wrong and can improve her game."

Marx said, "It prepared me for what sectionals could be like. It was kind of a good warm-up."

Marx does already have a good idea of what to expect this weekend. Last year as a sophomore, she finished fourth in the Fremd sectional and qualified for state for the first time.

At state, she lost her first two matches, but she did take a lot from the experience.

"I went into state very nervous," Marx said. "It was my first year. I didn't know what to expect of it. I knew there were going to be good and tough players, too. It was very nerve-wracking."

A year later, she anticipates it all going a lot more smoothly. Not only is she more mature and confident, she's also a better player. She added strength in the off-season and can now hit with more power. She also feels more comfortable with her decisions on the court.

"It was challenging for me as a sophomore," she said. "Now I feel like I know what to expect and know how things go on at sectionals. I feel like I did get better than last year. I know more about tennis than I did."

Barrington's top two singles players will be the favorites at the Rolling Meadows sectional. The remaining two spots could go to a number of players, including Marx and Prospect's Anne Duggan. The two split their two match-ups during the season.

For Marx, her game plan against Duggan or anyone else is simple.

"Just playing my game," she said. "Not trying to play another person's game. My only goal is to play like I know how to play. Hopefully I can qualify for state again."