By Kylie Siebert, Editor
The girls’ varsity tennis team has a complete new line up for their doubles teams this season, along with three returning varsity singles players.
Head coach Tim Larsen said the team has a lot of first-time players this year.
“I am cautiously optimistic. A lot of the girls have been playing over the summer and working really hard,” Larsen said.
The team recently finished second in the Plainfield North tournament, where the number one singles player, Lindsay Jurcenko, and number two singles player, Amelia Napiorkowski, both finished first. Napiorkowski is currently 9-1 and Jurcenko is 8-3, as of press dead.
“I was relieved after placing first because I worked really hard,” Napiorkowski said.
With the new conference and less knowledge of the competition, Larsen has been coaching every aspect of the game.
“So far this season we have been focusing on every strategy that we might need to use in a game situation,” Larsen said.
Both junior Madison Limbrick, a doubles player, and Larsen believe Sycamore is going to be their toughest competition in the new conference.
“They have a lot of returning players,” Limbrick said.
Junior Maria Rossi, a doubles player, said she has high hopes for the season and thinks the team will be able to win many matches.
The next varsity match will take place Sept. 25 at Rochelle, followed by a home match against DeKalb on Sept. 28.
Junior Varsity
The girls’ tennis team not only started the season off with new players to all levels, they also added a new member to the coaching staff. Dominic Bruno, the current girls’ sophomore basketball coach, has also taken over the JV tennis team.
“It’s different for me, because I have never actually played on a tennis team, but I know the rules and strategies of the game,” Bruno said.
Larsen described Bruno as a great addition to the program.
“He is awesome. He enjoys being around the team and is not shy when it comes to coaching. He fits right in,” Larsen said.
“He is a great coach. He is always super calm,” Limbrick said.
The JV team has been working hard on different swings and defensive skills.
The next upcoming JV tennis match will take place Sept. 25 at Plainfield South.
