Girls tennis: Scouting the Fox Valley

Aurora Christian EaglesCoach: No coach

2015 finish: Not applicable

Top returning players: Sophomores Madi Jurasek and Shelby Johnson

Outlook: Aurora Christian has only two players in Jurasek and Johnson, who qualified for the state doubles tournament last year as freshmen and made it to the sixth round of the consolation bracket after going 4-2 in their first state appearance.

Aurora Central Catholic ChargersCoach: Mike Cowen

2015 finish: Fourth place Metro Suburban West

Top returning player: Junior Giselle Salazar

Outlook: Salazar played No. 1 singles as a sophomore. She is recovering from a knee injury suffered last year. "Giselle has been hitting for about a month and is coming along," said Cowen. Salazar faced tough competition in her first three matches against West Aurora, Oswego East and Lincoln-Way Central. "Considering she's hit for a month, she is farther along than I thought she should be at this point," said Cowen. The Chargers have a roster of 12 players. "We're pretty young and inexperienced," said Cowen. "We're rebuilding right now."

Bartlett HawksCoach: Colleen Brandner

Top returning players: Seniors Marina Filipek, Alexis Cosatino, Marissa Gustafson, Jasmine Snipe

Key newcomer: Freshman Nia Cheshmedjivia

Outlook: Cosatino played doubles last year and will move into the singles lineup. Gustafson and Snipe have played together since their sophomore year and now are at the top of the depth chart. "Our goal as a team is to be better than yesterday and learn from our mistakes," said Brandner. "I try and make sure everyone on the team - we have 48 players - feels like an important part of the team." Brandner said the Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division will again be loaded with tough teams. "Even though the girls had a great season last year, we finished fourth in conference behind West Aurora, Glenbard East and South Elgin. It was a tight season last year and we look forward to improving our record this season."

Batavia BulldogsCoach: Brad Nelson

2015 finish: 10-10 duals, 3-3 UEC River, fourth place

Top returning players: Seniors Julianne Robinson, Maddie Rea, Anna Clarey, Christina Couperus, Parvathi Swaminathan, juniors Megan Granberg, Sam Fossali

Key newcomers: Freshmen Maddie Durso, Madison Ostrander, Hailey Flannagan, Morgan Steinys, Sophie Cange

Outlook: Robinson and Rea were all-conference selections a year ago. Robinson went 23-15 at No. 1 singles, while Rea, who is drawing college interest and will switch to No. 1 doubles, was an all-conference pick at No 2 singles. Clarey and Couperus will play No. 2 doubles, while Swaminathan and Granberg are at No. 3 doubles. Fossali will move between No. 4 singles and doubles. Durso is slated for 1 or 2 singles action, while Ostrander will team with Rea at the top doubles position. Flannagan will move into the No. 3 singles slot, while Steinys will be at No. 4 doubles. Cange will move between the No. 4 singles and doubles spots as well. "We will have a more experienced team this year," said Nelson. "The freshmen have match experience and will be counted on to contribute. We have five freshmen who could end up in the starting varsity lineup. We have a well-balanced team. We have talent and athleticism at the top of our lineup. We have more depth than a year ago and hope that will translate into more team wins." Rea and Ostrander scored a key win over York in the early going this season. "They should get better each time out," said Nelson. Robinson has her sights set on a state berth. "Julianne is a four-year varsity player who is hungry to make the state tournament," said Nelson. "She came close last year in doubles."

Dundee-Crown ChargersCoach: Stephanie McClure (4th season)

Top returning players: Lauren Peters, Kendall Johnson

Key newcomers: Jessica Butcher, Madie Pautz, Genesis Rosiles, Kristen Aagaard, Alexis Sanchez, Hannah Gannon, Caitlin Zday, Sandy Perez, Erin Hajek, Anna Russell, Zoe Lufman

Outlook: Dundee-Crown was hit hard by graduation. "After losing many seniors to graduation we look to have a new lineup in a rebuilding year," said McClure.

Cary-Grove TrojansCoach: Laurie Bender (4th season)

2015 finish: Fifth place Fox Valley Conference

Top returning players: Seniors Sanjana Rao, Camryn Demkowicz, Katie Kalwitter, Maya Faber, Maisy Lyne, Emily Whitenack, Emily Schladt, Gina Lombardino, sophomore Bethany Marshall

Key newcomers: Senior Sam Briggs, juniors Elizabeth Barrett, Paige Schulz, Katie Sowa, Isabel Steno, Leah Underwood, Colleen Danisz, sophomore Sarah Schultz, freshmen Kaitlin Warner, Karina Los

Outlook: Marshall, a sophomore, will man the No. 1 singles position for the Trojans. "Our team goal will be to play each match to the best of our ability and be good sports win or lose," said Bender, a longtime coach in the girls' and boys' tennis programs at the school. "We have very nice girls and I believe we will be a competitive team. We have six returning starters with a sophomore playing No. 1 singles."

Crystal Lake South GatorsCoach: Don Nead (21st season)

2015 finish: 18-2 duals, tied for second Fox Valley Conference

Top returning players: Seniors Rachel Anklam, Hannah Rakofsky, Alicia Rasmussen, juniors Claire Atkinson, Julia Kopfman, sophomore Skylar Olsen

Key newcomers: Seniors Amena Ahmed, Becky Anklam, Mya Fabella, Leah Gundlach, juniors Caroline Rausch, Lauren Schoen

Outlook: South returns six players with varsity experience. "That will make us very competitive in our conference," said Nead. Rachel Anklam won the conference title at No. 3 singles last year, while Rakofsky finished fourth in the highly competitive FVC No. 1 singles division. She's back at No. 1 singles, while Rachel Anklam has been splitting time between the No. 2 singles and doubles positions. "The key is if we can find depth," said Nead. "We have nice players at the top, but we need to find another four or five players that can be very competitive at third and fourth doubles, which become critical positions in our conference." South got off to a 2-0 dual-meet start with wins over Johnsburg and Belvidere North.

Elgin Academy HilltoppersCoach: Greg Repede (12th season)

2015 finish: 5-15 duals

Top returning players: Senior Stephanie Pierson, juniors Sharene Gould-Dulabaum, Michelle Peyton, Caitlin Sharma, Neha Shyamani

Outlook: While Elgin Academy's numbers are down, the work ethic of Repede's roster is not. "We have a great group of hardworking girls, great team chemistry and some experienced players," he said. "Michelle and Caitlin have been playing year-round and will team together. Our goals are to have fun and improve our tennis skills."

Elgin MaroonsCoach: Phet Rattana

2015 finish: 8-10 duals, fourth place Upstate Eight River

Top returning players: Seniors Katie Baran, Katie Anderson, Alex Surowiec, Stephanie Sixtos, sophomore Marta Krakowski

Key newcomers: Seniors Nataly Ramirez, Claudia Ramirez, juniors Simran Desai, Mikaela Aquino, Dhruvi Kalariya, sophomore Shyama Patel

Outlook: Krakowski went 23-2 at No. 2 singles last year last year and qualified for the state tournament as a freshman. "Marta is the player to look out for," said Rattana. "She's playing No. 1 singles this year and I am looking for continued growth and improvement throughout the year." Baran, Anderson, Surowiec and Sixtos all are doubles players. "We have strong numbers again," said Rattana. "I look forward to teaching them the game and have them keep working hard to improve every day We're in a tough conference, but I look for us to battle this year and try to improve every day. We want to build on the strong numbers we've had the past couple years and keep moving the program forward."

Geneva VikingsCoach: Zach Evans (2nd season)

2015 finish: 13-4 duals, Upstate Eight River champions

Top returning players: Senior Grace Krueger, sophomores Grace Hahn, Taylor Hayes

Key newcomers: Junior Caroline Lahey

Outlook: Geneva is the favorite among coaches to repeat as River champions. Krueger returns for her senior season after finishing as a sectional runner-up and advancing to the state tournament. "We are looking to be conference champs and hoping to win the sectional this year," said Evans. Geneva was second as a team last year to St. Charles North (24-20 points).

Hampshire Whip-PursCoach: Stephanie Sharpe (1st season)

2015 finish: 4-12 duals, 1-7 Fox Valley Fox

Top returning players: Katelyn Patthana, Alyssa Fanella, Laura Burkett, Grace Witecha, Randi Schofield.

Key newcomers: Kailey Patthana, Cam Barrientos, Sandra Miciak

Outlook: Sharpe likes the versatility she has with her doubles roster. "All four pairings are working well together and are continuing to challenge each other and that helps everyone improve," she said. The singles side features experience. "Having all three spots be juniors and seniors is a strength because they have that experience playing in tough matches," said Sharpe. Katelyn Patthana is playing No. 1 singles and has three years of varsity singles experience. Witecha and Schofield play No. 1 doubles. "Grace is only a sophomore but has been playing a strong game," said Sharpe, who also lauded the play of Burkett. Hampshire is part of a now single-division 9-team FVC. "In conference we will have tough competition playing schools such as Prairie Ridge and Jacobs," said Sharpe. "Our goals are to continue improving individually and as a program so we can be strong competition for our conference opponents."

Huntley Red RaidersCoach: Barry Wells

2015 finish: 15-5 duals, fourth place Fox Valley Conference

Top returning players: Seniors Becca Fishman, Abbey Roeser, Sam Wyslak, Lia McCloyn, juniors Alex Landman, Francesca Mannarino

Key newcomers: Senior Madi Ulrich, juniors Kayley Roche, Jordyn Bremer, Merritt Whiteside, sophomore Samia Desai

Outlook: One area coach put the Red Raiders in the top 3-4 teams in the always tough Fox Valley Conference. "We have a strong lineup throughout with good depth," said Wells. "We are a balanced team with good singles and doubles." Landman played No. 2 singles last year and now moves into the No. 1 spot. Fishman and Roeser are at No. 1 doubles. "Alex played No. 2 singles last year where she was very successful and made a big improvement to her game," said Wells. "Abbey and Becca played together last year and have good experience and athletic ability. Sam and Kayley are a very good No. 2 doubles team." Wells would like to see his team take the next step forward in the FVC. "We've had consistently good teams over the last six or seven years but have never challenged for the Fox Valley Conference title," he said. "Hopefully this is the year we can make the jump from being a good team to being one of the best teams in the area."

Jacobs Golden EaglesCoach: Jon Betts (12th season, 313-41)

2015 finish: 23-2 duals (12-0 Fox Valley Conference)

Top returning players: Senior Katie Toomire, Marie Beyer, juniors Haley Steinkamp, Kylie Skepnek

Key newcomers: Senior Allison Nichols, junior Amber Seong, sophomores Ramya Nissankula, Brianna Japkowski, freshman Lindsay Cunningham

Outlook: Jacobs won the FVC last year and qualified three girls for the state meets, but only Toomire is back from that trio (doubles state qualifier). In addition to Toomire's experience, Jacobs also returns Steinkamp, a two-time FVC champion at No. 2 singles and Skepnek, an FVC titlist at No. 3 doubles. "Despite losing some key pieces from a roster that has captured back-to-back conference titles, including Ashley Kosy (multiple-time state qualifier), we have been working hard to remain among the top teams in the area and hope to contend with Prairie Ridge. With a very young lineup, we'll look to continue to improve and mature throughout the season," Betts said.

Larkin RoyalsCoach: Kevin Schillerstrom (5th season)

2015 finish: 5-10 duals, fifth place Upstate Eight River

Top returning players: Vina Shee, Ivette Ramirez, Cheyn Altieri, MIllicen Mendez, Tatyana Hendrich

Key newcomers: Elisa Arce, Eliana Bermudez, Becky Rossen

Outlook: Larkin graduated five seniors from last year's team. Shee is back for her fourth year on varsity and will play No. 1 singles. Ramirez is at No. 2 singles. "We have great team chemistry and the girls work hard," said Schillerstrom. The coach said some of the team's goals include winning its Larkin quad and faring well against crosstown U-46 neighbor Elgin.

Rosary RoyalsCoach: John Tsang

2015 finish: 6-10-2 duals, third place GCAC, sectional champions

Top returning players: Lizzie Graft, Angela Dassis, Erika Floyd

Key newcomers: Seniors Celia Konen, Erin Hawkins, Kailey Novak, Jillian Vander Linde, Shannon Dilorio, juniors Kylie Bancroft, Mary Peters

Outlook: Rosary will be led by the likes of Graft, Dassis and Ford, who headline an experienced group of singles players. All of Rosary's key newcomers are doubles players. "We have strong teamwork and communication," said Tsang. "We want to compete well, improve every time we are on the court and build confidence." Tsang said a big goal is to repeat as sectional team champions.

St. Charles East SaintsCoach: Matt Bulman

2015 finish: 12-4 duals, 4-2 Upstate Eight River, third place

Top returning players: Seniors Maggie Petrov, Michelle Navid, Olivia Gapuz, sophomore Katie McCarthy

Key newcomers: Junior Reema Dhar, freshmen Claudia Field, Jamie McDermott, Elena Melone

Outlook: Petrov and Navid went 16-4 last year at No. 3 doubles and finished second in the conference at that position. Gpauz took fourth at No. 2 singles in the River and McCarthy was third at No. 3 singles in conference. "We are young, but we return enough players to allow the newcomers to gain some much-needed experience," said Bulman. "Look for our No. 1 doubles team (Petrov and Navid) to do some damage. They have worked incredibly hard in the off-season and are looking to go out strong in their senior year." Bulman said a key team focus will be on the doubles side. "The area is incredibly deep with singles play," he said. "We will take our chances on the doubles side of dual meets." Bulman pegs Geneva as the league favorite. "All coaches know it's Geneva's title to lose," he said. "They have incredible depth at singles and strong enough players to build competitive doubles. I think us, Batavia and St. Charles North will all be close to each other while still trying to keep Geneva within striking distance."

St. Charles North North StarsCoach: Sean Masoncup

2015 finish: 18-3 duals, second place Upstate Eight River

Top returning players: Sophomore Shelby Thomas

Key newcomer: Junior Elizabeth Kramer

Outlook: North won a sectional title and had two doubles teams earn honorable-mention all-state status. Three of those four state girls graduated, but Thomas returns from that group and will play No. 1 singles this season. "It's a rebuilding year for us," said Masoncup. "Our strength is our work ethic. Already in two weeks we have seen a huge improvement with a young team. Another strength will be the depth we have throughout the lineup. Our main goal is to improve each practice." Masoncup also pegs Geneva as the River favorite. "For sure, Geneva is the hands-down favorite with Batavia and East trying to push them and then we are trying to compete every match with those teams," he said.

Streamwood SabresCoach: Kristina Sawyer

Top returning players: Senior Mona Cadena, juniors Jenny Grimaldo, Nilana Khoxayo, sophomore Kim Gonzalez

Key newcomers: Senior Arifa Baber, junior Emily Jaramillo

Outlook: Streamwood suffered a huge setback when No. 1 singles player Alaina Kantaphixay was ruled lost for the year with an elbow injury. "Other than Alaina, we have a very new team," said Sawyer. "Our goal this year is to win more games off our opponents than we did last year and be able to field a full roster. I am working to build a program at Streamwood and have girls return in the coming years." Gonzalez moves into the No. 1 singles position. Baber and Jaramillo will play No. 2 singles, while Khoxayo is at No. 3 singles. Grimaldo and Cadena are the No. 1 doubles team.

West Aurora BlackhawksCoach: Bruce Fraser

2015 finish: 14-6 duals, first place Upstate Eight Valley

Top returning players: Seniors Taylor Truckenbrod, Caiti Gallagher, Marisa Silva, Teryn Griffin, juniors Liz Stefancic, Sarah Love

Key newcomers: Sophomore Patricia Pfefferer

Outlook: Stefancic, drawing interest from several Division I schools, went 25-8 last year at No. 1 singles and earned honorable-mention all-state honors; Truckenbrod (team captain) and Gallagher won the conference No. 1 doubles title, while Griffin was part of the conference-winning No. 4 doubles team last year. Silva was the league runner-up at No. 3 singles. Pfefferer is an exchange student from Austria and will see time in the 2/3 singles slots."We have some talented players at the top of the lineup," said Fraser. "Our team success in the conference will depend on the performance of our less-experienced doubles teams. With the new 2-class system (IHSA state series) creating different sectional assignments, our success beyond the conference is hard to predict at this point."

Not responding to requests for information/missing information: Kaneland, South Elgin.