Girls tennis: Scouting DuPage County
A year ago, Neuqua Valley was among the top teams in the state, but didn't get a chance to compete for a championship.
Now with a full season of tennis, including the state tournament for the first time in two years, the Wildcats are looking to be the cream of the crop in the state.
Last season, the Wildcats claimed the DuPage Valley Conference title and a sectional championship. The Wildcats have significant returnees to make another run for the conference crown, with seniors Abby Allen and Emiley Piao along with juniors Emily Chiou, Hannah Kestenberg and Victoria Yin all back.
"With the success we had last season, it can be easy to lose focus on the pursuit of continued improvement," Neuqua Valley coach Will Rose said. "After observing the athletes this week, it's clear the desire to elevate their game contributed to an offseason of hard work. The players, the underclassmen in particular, need to use the opportunities this year t find immediate success as well as develop their game for the future."
Naperville North, which finished in second place in the DuPage Valley Conference last season, suffered heavy graduation losses. Tiffany Zhang and Irene Zhang were a memorable pair, finishing 16-0 at No. 1 doubles while winning the conference and sectional titles. Senior Tiffany Cheng and Callie Genovese will play at No. 2 doubles, with freshmen Brooke Coffman and Gabby Lee taking over the top doubles spot.
"Although we graduated a talented group of seniors, our lineup looks well-balanced and I'm excited to see our girls compete," Naperville North coach Heather Hendricksen said.
Wheaton Warrenville South, coached by Patti Clousing, is happy to have the return of No. 1 singles player and state qualifier, senior Emma Beres. Leah Austin, who competed at No. 2 singles last season, is also back and JoJo Hughes rounded out a solid trio in singles.
Freshmen Brooke Ittersagen and Kaley McCabe are expected to make an immediate impact for the Tigers.
"I believe we have a chance to finish in the top three, and possibly win a conference championship," Clousing said. "We have a shot at winning because of the top returning players we have and also the two really good freshmen on the team. We have a lot of depth."
Wheaton North is another team to watch this season. The Falcons have plenty of depth and experience. Sophomore Hannah Swanson is set to make a big impact, while the Falcons' No. 1 doubles teams of seniors Rachael Lee and Sophia Hahn join a group of four freshmen brimming with talent.
"I'm going to have a young, competitive team this year," Wheaton North coach Eric Laird said. "I'll have four freshman starters on my team this year, so we will grow as a team throughout the season with match experience. I'm excited that we will have a full season this fall including a state tournament which we didn't have last year."
After winning the East Suburban Catholic Conference championship and claiming a Class 1A sectional title, Benet moves up a class to 2A this fall. Benet coach Michael Hand said the season will be challenging for his team due to some key graduation losses. Hand said seniors Kaitlyn Lee and Claire Converse join a talented group of experienced freshmen in Clare Lopatka, Shane Delaney and Meredith Converse.
"We're looking forward to competing with the teams in the area and against a challenging schedule," Hand said. "With only a few returning varsity players and a young group, it will be a baptism under fire. Kaitlyn Lee and Felicity Kolb are reigning conference and sectional doubles champions and may play again together or split up with one playing singles. All three of (our freshmen) are solid, experienced USTA players and will add great depth to the team."
Meanwhile, Wheaton Academy is aiming to top last season's fourth-place finish in the Metro Suburban Conference Blue. Juniors Audrey Litfin, Jillian Paulson, Anna Castro and Elizabeth Dieter and senior Ameila Mack are key players.
"The girls have showed up ready to compete at an even higher level this season," Wheaton Academy coach Joel Visker said.
"We're blessed to have key leaders set the tone for what we can become. We're still a young team, but we're excited to compete for a conference championship and state qualifiers."