St. Charles N. finds sectional surprise
As the second seed in the St. Charles East sectional, St. Charles North’s Brittany Plaszweski was expected to win her first two matches and qualify for next week’s state tournament, and she did not disappoint.
The North Stars’ top doubles team of Kate Lesswing and Ashley Randazzo, a fifth seed, on the other hand, had a much tougher road to state, coming into Friday’s early round matches.
“I really thought (Lesswing and Randazzo) would get through, too,” St. Charles North coach Eve Tubman said.
Tubman’s confidence proved well-founded as Lesswing and Randazzo beat Glenbard North’s Jess Toran and Katie Ratterman, 6-3, 6-0, in their first match, then outlasted Eva Sedjo and Mackenzie Schiff of Wheaton Academy, 6-1, 6-4, in the second to qualify for state.
After getting into a groove to close out the opening set, Lesswing and Randazzo found themselves in a seesaw battle against the Wheaton Academy duo.
“We felt really good, and focused on not making any unforced errors,” Lesswing said. Once we got on a roll, we were able to stay motivated and hold on to momentum.”
In the end it was the North Stars’ strong and consistent serving and their ability to limit mistakes that gave them the edge and earned Lesswing and Randazzo a trip to state.
“Kate’s serves were so good, and we were able to get the breaks,” Randazzo said. “We practiced so hard this week on being consistent and making our shots, and that really helped today.”
Plaszewski reached Saturday’s semis by posting impressive, two-set wins over Elizabeth Bierman of Glenbard North, 6-0, 6-1, and St. Charles East senior Morgan Nosalik, 6-0, 6-1.
“I felt really good, but it was so hard to keep balls in the court because of the wind,” Plaszewski said.
Plaszewski will play Geneva freshman Kirby Einck, who blanked fellow freshman Angelica Emmanoul of Kaneland in her first match, then outdueled Bartlett’s Jitsupa Sirinit, 6-3, 6-2, despite having to battle the elements as well as a tough opponent.
“If I hadn’t played the wind I wouldn’t have won that last match,” Einck said. “It was a huge factor.”
The Vikings have a shot at also getting a doubles team through to state as Carly Ausman and Emily Malecha had to wait until Saturday morning to play their qualifying match against Bartlett’s Jennifer Parato and Gabby Gregorio.
“They did a nice job winning their first match, and now they just have to go get one more,” Geneva coach Maureen Weiler said.
Though the host Saints failed to qualify for state, there were several bright spots, including Nosalik, who won a tight match over Sycamore’s Alexia Farris, 6-4, 6-2, before losing to Plaszewski.
“Morgan is very good player who never gives up,” St. Charles East coach Sena Drawer said.
The Saints’ doubles team of Catey Esler and Sarah Church easily beat West Chicago’s Pam Campos and Kaylee Benda, 6-1, 6-0, in their first match, then battled the top seeded duo of Katie Gates and Kaylen Kress of Bartlett, forcing a tiebreaker in the opening set. Gates and Kress won the match 7-6 (2), 6-2, but Drawer was more than satisfied with her team’s performance.
“They both agreed that was the best match they played all season,” Drawer said. “When you end your season on a high, that’s pretty good.”
ŸAt the West Aurora sectional, Batavia coach Brad Nelson reports that all six of his players have qualified for state. It’s the first time in school history that has happened, according to Nelson. The Bulldogs will look to continue their championship season by winning their first sectional when play resumes at 9 a.m. Saturday.