Niles North nets slim win over Maine West
Maine West fell just short in its bid for a second consecutive win in boys tennis on Tuesday, dropping a 4-3 decision to visiting Niles North on its home courts in Des Plaines.
The Warriors (3-5-0, 0-2-0) made a valiant effort to overtake the Vikings, who went out to a 3-1 advantage after sweeping at Nos. 2, 3 and 4 doubles.
Despite exciting comeback wins in three sets from freshman Jason Elangical (No. 1 singles) and the No. 1 team of Jackson Torkelson/Miguel Hernandez, it wasn't enough when the meet finished just before sunset.
"The guys really competed hard out there - there was a great effort from all of them," said Warriors coach Derrick Swistak, who was without Patrick Czruj, who along with Henry Nguyen, were state qualifiers at doubles last spring. "It's too bad we couldn't get a win out there. Maybe it's a different result with Patrick here today, but North played well and deserved the win."
Niles North is coached by former two-time state qualifier, Andy Klamm, who in 2001 advanced to the tournament along with Chris Hall, two weeks after winning a Mid-Suburban League doubles crown.
Klamm eventually coached at Downers Grove North taking over the Vikings' program last season.
"It's all about changing the culture here at Niles North," Klamm said. "And with a young roster, and one that wants to play year-round, maybe we can get something going in the right direction in a year or two.".
Klamms' No. 1 singles player Eric Herwitz appeared to have all the momentum going his way after taking winning a second-set tiebreaker over Elangical.
But the Warriors' young star battled back to win the third and deciding set 6-4.
"Jason might be the best freshmen we've ever had here," Swistak said. "He plays with a lot of composure, but he's a tough competitor, who wants to play the best players all the time. He's been a pleasant surprise for us this spring."
Torkelson and Hernandez didn't let a 7-5 first set defeat slow them down.
They bounced back by winning the next two sets to upend Alan Goroshko-Kevin Cain, 7-6 (4), 6-4.
"Miguel has been an amazing four-year player for us," Swistak said. "He just loves this sport, and he loves to play and compete at a high level.
"He's also the ultimate team guy, as we've moved him around at singles and doubles this year, sometimes with Patrick (Czruj) or other doubles partners, and he never complains - he just goes out and plays."
Nguyen had an easy time of it, recording a straight-set victory at No. 2 singles for the Warriors.
But the junior knows the real challenge lies ahead if he and Czruj hope to get to the big tournament for a second consecutive year.
"We're in a real tough sectional this year (at New Trier) so we'll have to be even better than we were last year when we got in," Nguyen said. "For me, to qualify into the state tournament as a sophomore was really special, and a great experience (for) both of us, but we'll have to be at our best at sectionals, then see what happens."
The Warriors travel to state power Highland Park on Wednesday in another CSL dual-meet contest.