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Girls tennis: Blaser, Klein stick together for victorious Libertyville

If there were ever a subliminal message in a high-five between teammates, look no further than Libertyville senior tennis players Dani Blaser and Callie Klein.

"Whether we win or lose a point, we high-five each other. It helps us stay positive and constantly interacting," Klein said following the tandem's 6-1, 6-0 victory over Warren's Lily Hannold and Kristina Danos on Tuesday.

Blaser and Klein have reunited as the Wildcats' top doubles team after Klein was sidelined last year with back surgery and Blaser played No. 1 singles.

Two years ago, they finished in the top 24 at state. Against visiting Warren, they looked as if they hadn't lost a step as Libertyville captured a 5-2 win in the North Suburban Conference opener for both teams.

"It was a little rough in the beginning of the season trying to get used to each other again," said Blaser. "But we've both gotten better and we have experience, which is big, especially in those close matches. Getting to state is our goal."

Both teams are deep in talent. Warren boasts freshman Sabrina Mella, who skated past Libertyville's Tanvi Patel 6-1, 6-0 at No. 1 singles. The last name of Mella is familiar at Warren.

"This is the fourth Mella girl that we've had come through the program," said Blue Devils coach Vince DeSecki, whose team fell to 4-1. "And just like the others, she's strong and talented and comes in with a great tennis game already. She just needs to get accustomed to the high school level."

Warren's other win came from the No. 2 doubles team of Britta Johnson and Zoe Serelis, who beat Lauren Paulson and Arthi Sekharan 6-1, 6-1.

"We're still playing around with combinations, but the girls love to compete," DeSecki said. "They play sets against each other all the time and they're not afraid to lose."

Libertyville has a good freshman as well in No. 2 singles player Kiley Nolan, who posted a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 victory over junior Ayusha Ayalur.

"She's doing very well for being just a freshman," said Libertyville coach Dan Kiernan, whose team upped its record to 2-4.

Libertyville senior Lauren Kosowski won 6-2, 7-5 over sophomore Linsy Jante at No. 3 singles. The last two doubles matches ended just before darkness with Libertyville prevailing in both. Seniors Megan VanDixhorn and Grace Brenner outlasted seniors Olivia Chen and Abby Oye 5-7, 6-0, 6-2 at No. 4 doubles. Senior sisters Chloe and Hannah Zwirn gutted out a 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 victory over sophomores Frankie Grimes and Ally Kolar at No. 3 doubles.

  Warren's Sabrina Mella hits a backhand against Libertyville's Tanvi Patel on Tuesday at Libertyville. Gilbert R. Boucher II/gboucher@dailyherald.com
  Libertyville's Tanvi Patel returns a shot against Warren's Sabrina Mella at Libertyville on Tuesday. Gilbert R. Boucher II/gboucher@dailyherald.com
  Libertyville's Kiley Nolan returns a shot against Warren's Ayusha Ayalur on Tuesday at Libertyville. Gilbert R. Boucher II/gboucher@dailyherald.com
  Warren's Ayusha Ayalur serves against Libertyville's Kiley Nolan at Libertyville on Tuesday. Gilbert R. Boucher II/gboucher@dailyherald.com
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