Girls tennis/State scouting, Northwest
Girls tennis / State tournament scouting
When and where: Thursday-Saturday, hosted by Buffalo Grove with action at most Mid-Suburban League sites.
Barrington
State qualifiers: No. 1 doubles team senior Zoe Kasiurak and freshman Michelle Linden (14-2).
Outlook: Barrington is fresh off its 18th straight Mid-Suburban League title. This is Kasiurak’s third and final appearance at the state tournament, all with different partners. Linden will enjoy her first experience alongside the veteran. Kasuirak played the bulk of her season alongside 2011 no. 1 senior singles state qualifier Lucia Stumbras, while Linden played most of her season at No. 1 singles, registering a conference championship in the position. Kasiurak/Linden placed third at the Stevenson sectional last weekend. The two start their tournament at Prospect on Thursday.
Coach’s comment: “We focus on what we do well,” said Barrington coach Tracy Waters-Miller. “It’s a privilege and honor to play high school tennis and to represent Barrington. (I tell Kasiurak and Linden) to relax and play your best tennis. Have fun. We have no other plans than to hang around the tennis courts, so let’s make the memories last.”
Buffalo Grove
State qualifiers: Senior no. 1 doubles team Lauren and Dana Goggin (24-4)
Outlook: Dana and Lauren Goggin enter their final high school tennis meet in stunning fashion, having qualified for state all four years. The two finished in the top-32 position for the last two years and attempt to make their 2012 appearance a memorable one. The twin tandem enjoyed their first conference title at No. 1 doubles two weeks ago at Prospect. The Goggin sisters took second in the sectional tournament at Stevenson. In 2010 and 2011, Dana and Lauren Goggin were members of the all-state third team.
Coach’s comment: “The girls are hoping to match or meet state results from last year,” said Buffalo Grove coach Kevin Schrammel. “(The Goggins) are trying to enjoy it. Some of the pressure is off every state match you’re in. It’s going to be fun. It’s time to enjoy the ride and usually that means you’re playing your best tennis.”
Conant
State qualifiers: Freshman no. 1 singles player Aya Okuda (14-10) and senior no. 2 singles player Kano Jockish (10-12).
Outlook: Conant suprised the Schaumburg sectional field by winning in Conant coach Dave Koleno’s first season at the helm. Okuda and Jockish placed third and fourth respectively. Both placed ninth in their respective brackets in the conference tournament before upsettiing opponents left and right last weekend. Jockish, who defeated a No. 2 seed, and Okuda both earned their first trips to the state tournament.
Coach’s comment: “I was excited with the way our team performed at sectionals,” Koleno said. “Both doubles teams and both singles players made it to at least the quarterfinals. Everyone contributing points was the key to us winning the sectional title.”
“Kano and Aya have had a great week of practice, and are ready to play. We have focused more on game strategy this week and making better decisions during points: playing smarter. Playing near home is nice, but it really doesn’t matter once the ball is served.”
Prospect
State qualifiers: No. 1 doubles team senior Katie Best/junior Christina Santiago (13-16) and no. 2 doubles team junior Lauren Saiki/sophomore Alexandra Gorodiski (16-9).
Outlook: Best is enjoying her second trip to the state tournament, while Santiago, Saiki and Gorodiski are entering their first. Best/Santiago finished sixth at conference and third at the Schaumburg sectional, while Saiki/Gorodiski enjoyed an MSL title at the no. 2 doubles position, and finished behind Best/Santiago for fourth.
Coach’s comment: “Seeing all the Prospect blue on the court during the doubles sectional semis (last) Saturday was something our girls were very excited about,” said Prospect coach Mike McColaugh. “Energy and enthusiasm won’t be a problem, especially at Prospect where our students and faculty come out to watch. We play a real rough weekend schedule, so we won’t be shocked by the quality of opponents in the state series. Our game plan this weekend is to play mainly to our own strengths and make minor adjustments if necessary.”
Hoffman Estates
State qualifiers: Junior no.1 singles player Courtney Lang (17-3).
Outlook: Lang enters her third berth into the state tournament. Last Saturday, Lang recorded her second-straight sectional title in singles. Two weekends ago, Lang placed second in the MSL after faltering against Linden in three sets.
Coach’s comment: “Courtney played well indoors and outdoors,” said Hoffman coach Greg Rouse. “We will continue to work on the same things we’ve done all season. (I tell her to) give it your best shot.”
Rolling Meadows
State qualifiers: Juniors no.1 doubles team Allie and Jackie Kemph (23-8)
Outlook: The Kemph twins earned their second consecutive state appearnace after win their first sectional title in doubles, which helped the Mustangs to a second-place finish at the Schaumburg sectional. The twins also finished with a solid third-place finish in the MSL tournament, helping Meadows finish third as a team.
Coach’s comment: “That is a solid accomplishment and we want to build on that for the state meet,” said Rolling Meadows coach Jim Gumz of the Kemphs’ sectional victory. “We prepare for state by emphasizing fundamentals and working on our style of play. We want to play our brand of tennis at state. Being in the state meet is something you will always remember from your days in high school. Make the most of it, play your tennis and definitely enjoy the experience.”
Fremd
State qualifiers: No.1 senior doubles team Holly Kometer/Courtney Norenberg (13-6) and junior no. 1 singles player Amy Byrne (22-12).
Outlook: Kometer/Norenberg and Byrne all earned their first state series berth. Kometer/Norenberg finished as runner-up to the Kemph sisters at the Schaumburg sectional, while Byrne did the same after falling to Lang. The effort from the three state qualifiers helped Fremd tie with Rolling Meadows at second place in the Schaumburg sectional.