Girls tennis: Glenbard West shuts out WW South

The Glenbard West girls tennis team finished fifth in Class 2A last season.

And with quite a few members of the team back for another campaign, the Hilltoppers have aspirations of doing better.

"Our wish is to be in the top 3," senior Sienna Lopez said.

Glenbard West's latest result was a 7-0 victory Monday at Wheaton Warrenville South.

In three of the matches, the Glenbard West player surrendered just one game.

"There's a lot of things that we're looking forward to," said Hilltoppers coach Kevin Graham. "A lot of girls played well last year and there are things to build upon from last season."

Elizabeth Fausey, at No. 1 singles; Maggie McFarland at No. 2 and Sophia Hanna at No. 3 all prevailed for Glenbard West.

Shannele Lopez, a sophomore, and Sienna Lopez both enjoyed strong showings at the 2018 state meet as singles players. Now the sisters have been paired as a doubles duo and prevailed Monday at No. 1. Sienna said the transition to doubles has gone well but required some matches for the two to adjust to their new assignment.

Shannele said what was earned at state last season was a big confidence booster going into this year.

"It makes me feel like I accomplished something with how last year was really great," she said.

Other victories at doubles for the Hilltoppers came from Ashley Samuta and Emma Chirila at No. 2. The pair competed in doubles last year at state. Norah Chirila and Lauren Debs won at No. 3 and Annie Mitten and Ava Johnson prevailed at No. 4.

Wheaton Warrenville South opens DuKane Conference play Tuesday at Geneva. The Tigers are defending league champs.

"We lost a lot of players. We only have four returning players, but I believe we can finish in the top half," said Tigers coach Patti Clousing.

She said she's pleased with the progress her young squad has made.

"Most of the doubles teams came from JV. They are definitely catching on to the tactics of the game and finally thinking through points," Clousing said.