Carney, Sledz settle down, get back to basics
In this, their third year as doubles partners, Benet's Kelly Carney and Elissa Sledz have built mutual trust to where they can say just about anything to each other on the court.
On Tuesday Carney and Sledz used that communication to come from behind in the first set and go on to win 6-3, 6-1 at first doubles to lead the Redwings to a 4-1 win over host Naperville Central in a rain-shortened nonconference dual meet.
"They came out strong and we freaked out at their aggressive pace," Sledz said. "Once we calmed down and took control, we went to the basics - starting off each point strong with good serves and returns, and getting our putaway volleys in."
Naperville Central's Taylor Spence and Alyssa Girgis started aggressively and caught the Benet girls off-guard.
"Kelly and Elissa were down 3-2 and then just ripped off the next four games," said Benet coach Bob Comerford. "They started keeping the ball in play longer and picking up unforced errors."
The partners believe that their close friendship, both on and off the court, has contributed to their strength as a team, and given them the confidence that they believe will help them qualify for their first state tournament this year. They were eliminated in the qualifying round last year.
"We can be absolutely honest with each other," Carney said. "One of us can say, 'Pick it up a little,' or 'Stop doing what you're doing.'
And, according to both girls, their abilities and style of play make them perfect partners.
"Elissa has good groundstrokes and that sets me up for the volley," Carney said. "And anytime we're at the net together, we're a strong combination."
The good news for Benet is that its second-doubles team of freshmen Madeline Carney and Kim Simmons is nearly as strong. They won their match 6-2, 6-1.
"We want to get a whole team to state, two singles and two doubles," Sledz said.
Comerford is hopeful, depending on the sectional draw, which should be announced in the next few days.
"We think we're a better team at every position over last year," he said. "The girls are proving to be steady. There isn't a lot of up and down about them. Our sectional lineup is set. It's always good when you can have that early in the season."
Benet first-singles Cassie Kovach, a third freshman starter on a team with no seniors, defeated Sabina Nilakhe 6-1, 6-1 and junior Joyce Hanlon, a returning state qualifier, won her first set over Naperville Central's Sonia Nilakhe before rain washed away the rest of the meet.
Molly Halligan and Kathleen Allen were victorious at fourth doubles for the Redwings.
The Redhawks' point was picked up by Anusha Balaji, who took the third-singles match 6-1, 6-0
"Anusha really gives us a strong third-singles player," said Naperville Central coach Don Bonet. "She keeps it deep and moves it around. If she does that she can have a great year. However, as a team we were pretty flat today and you can't do that against good teams."