Girls tennis: Libertyville tops Mundelein in NSC battle
The Libertyville girls tennis team has enjoyed a successful fall campaign to this point and much of it has to do with a nice 1-2 punch at singles.
Junior Lily VanDixhorn is one of the top players in Lake County for the Wildcats, who tripped up visiting Mundelein 6-1 in North Suburban Conference action Tuesday afternoon.
"She (VanDixhorn) is a baseline player and counter-puncher," said Cats head coach Dan Kiernan, whose girls improved to 4-1 in the league with their lone loss coming to Stevenson a couple of weeks ago.
"We're hoping to repeat things and get her to state again for a third year. She went in doubles as a freshman."
On Tuesday, VanDixhorn cruised to a 6-1, 6-0 victory over Mundelein's Leila Moon.
"I missed more shots today than I would have liked, but I like where my game is at," said VanDixhorn, who beat Stevenson's No. 1 a couple of weeks ago and has only one loss this fall, that to a girl from Missouri.
"I'm trying to use my legs more and use a higher rate of spin on the ball."
While VanDixhorn is looking for another trip to state in a mere month or so, Libertyville freshman Maggie Forkner has been tearing it up this fall to the tune of a 21-0 record.
"She's aggressive and hits a big ball," said Kiernan.
On Tuesday, Forkner made quick work of Mundelein's Ella Brandt 6-0, 6-0.
"I was able to stay consistent and hit aggressively when I needed to," said Forkner, who has been playing tennis for 10 years and competes year-round.
"This is new to me but I love being on a team," she said. "The camaraderie and support we give each other."
Forkner also has her sights set on the state meet next month.
"That's where all of the best players are and you get better," she noted. "I'm hoping to make a push. Been working on my first serves and going to the net more."
Other winners for Libertyville included Maria Orvis a 6-0, 6-0 victor over Mundelein's Hadyn Nuttall at No. 3 singles, and in doubles Kathleen Lee and Kiley Nolan breezed past Mundelein's Elizabeth Heraty and Brenda Mondragon 6-0, 6-0 at No. 2.
Also in doubles, Libertyville's Jenna Zaengle and Brooke Bair took care of the Mustangs' Kavana Belagur and Isabel Sioson 6-0, 6-0, while the No. 4 tandem of Rania Bahrani and Michaela Orvis also posted a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Mundelein's Teresa Burk and Cece Zanoni.
The Mustangs' Mikayla Edquiban and Alexis Hyde have been solid at No. 1 doubles and picked up Mundelein's only win on Tuesday, a 6-1, 6-2 victory over the Burns sisters - Lauren and Alexis.
"Our doubles teams have been playing well," said Mustangs coach Shellie Majewski, whose girls slipped to 2-3 in NSC duals.
Majewski is also high on her No. 2 team of Heraty and normally Kylie Brua, who was on a college visit Tuesday.
"They have been playing together for a while and have more experience," the coach said.
Both No. 1 and No. 2 doubles teams for Mundelein were tournament champions at the Vernon Hills Invitational a couple of weeks ago.
"We're showing noticeable improvements in skill and consistency," Majewski said.