Barrington clinches West title; Palatine's Kawai prevails at first singles
It was a clash of the titans in Mid-Suburban West girls tennis as Palatine hosted Barrington, featuring a matchup of the top two No. 1 singles players in league: Pirates sophomore Asuka Kawai, and Fillies senior Michelle Linden.
Thickening the plot was the back story: both teams were undefeated in the MSL going into the match.
Barrington improved to 5-0 in the West by winning 5-2.
"The wind was pretty harsh," said Barrington coach Tracy Waters-Miller, "but we switched our strategy in-game and adjusted to get the win."
All eyes were on the rematch of Kawai and Linden, as they met for a fourth time in two years. Kawai had the series lead 3-0 against Linden entering Thursday evening.
Before the season began, the four-year Barrington state qualifier committed to Wisconsin. The future Badger posted a seventh-place singles finish in last year's state tournament.
Kawai had considered leaving high school tennis to go pro, but instead opted to return this fall after a top-10 individual finish last fall. She went unbeaten last fall before finally dropping a quarterfinal to eventual champ Brienne Minor of Carmel Catholic.
Kawai won the first set against Linden 7-5 in a set full of deuces.
"The wind was really pushing (Linden's) shots, and she hits fast, but they were coming really fast," Kawai said. "I know she will improve when I see her again (at the conference meet).
"All day in school I was really nervous, and pumped up at the same time. On the way to the tennis courts I screamed 'Let's Go Pirates,' just to get some of the nerves out."
The second set was much like the first, full of back-and-forth action. The wind continued to be a factor, altering many of the shots for both players. However remedied the situation with their ferocious attacks.
The turning point of the match was when Kawai led 4-2 in the second set. Linden and the Palatine sophomore traded eight deuces. Kawai ultimately registered a 6-2 victory.
"Asuka really enjoys high school tennis," said Palatine coach Jim Lange. "She's the team's biggest cheerleader, and you couldn't ask for more from her game. Hopefully this is her year. (Asuka) has been a great conditioner. She enjoys all aspects of playing, and there are a lot of great players that aren't that way."
Barrington's top doubles team, Anna Donoghue/ Nidha Jha defeated Cora Jacobsen/Hein Lai 6-4, 6-1. The Donoghue/Jha tandem is hoping for another strong year after earning a state berth last fall.
"It's been a great season, great teamwork," said Donoghue. "As a senior, this season has been really fun. We have a lot of returning players and that's been great, but we've become really close with the younger players."
Other Fillies winners were at No. 2 doubles (Paige Broustis/Hannah Park over Gabi Wilson/Sam Nelson 6-0, 6-0), No. 3 doubles (Mai Nguyen/Josie Trautwein over Anja Jacobsen/Julianna Hake 6-2, 6-2), and fourth doubles (Morgan Maison/Morgan Minnow over Susan Levecke/Holly Bachman 6-2, 6-2).
Pirates freshman Ky Oreshkin registered a 6-1, 6-0 win over Morenika Gadiraju at No. 2 singles.
The Pirates (14-2, 4-1) and Fillies will meet again in a little bit over a week in the MSL tournament.
"We have to show up and come to play," Waters-Miller said. "We know Elk Grove's good, and Asuka is one very athletic player. We'll be ready."