After losing matches against highly-regarded Wheaton North and St. Francis to open the season, the Riverside-Brookfield girls tennis team is starting to find its way. The Bulldogs have won three dual matches and took first place at the Bolingbrook invite over the weekend.
“The Wheaton North Quad is always tough because we may lose some matches,” RB coach Bob Hegner said. “The good thing is the girls get to play against tough competition. Wheaton North and St. Francis are two of the better teams we’ll play this year.”
In addition to the Bulldogs’ winning streak, Hegner feels good about the RB lineup rounding into form. With Lindsay Hayes moving on to Illinois Wesleyan, senior Olivia Garza (2-3 this season) takes over as the No.1 singles player for RB, followed by co-captain Megan Landahl (4-1) and Robin Jensen (1-2). Garza and Landahl are returning varsity players with solid baseline games. Jensen, back healthy from a recent bout with the flu, is an excellent defensive player known for drawing opponents’ unforced errors.
“Olivia is a four-year varsity player who mixes up her shots well,” Hegner said. “Last season, Megan was a utility player for us playing singles and doubles. She’s off to a good start this year.”
The Bulldogs’ other co-captain Guilia Bova and Brittany Hite are the No.1 doubles team for RB. Hampered at times by a foot injury, Hite has been wearing a wrap around her foot to prevent further problems.
Judy Krolasik-Alexis Adams and Amy Delbecq-Michelle Michaud are the No.2 and No.3 doubles team, respectively.
“Amy and Michelle are an emerging doubles team,” said Hegner, about the duo who is 4-1 this season. “They play well together.”
Becky Pendola, Haley St. Paul, Mia Corpuz, Joanna Keen, Molly Quealy, Katelyn Reynolds and Brianna Dudek are candidates to fill the No.4 doubles spots and add singles depth.
This season, RB is vying for its fourth straight Metro Suburban Conference championship. Newcomers Timothy Christian and Illiana Christian join RB, Fenton and Elmwood Park in conference play. RB also tied Morton for fourth place at the Lyons Township Sectional in 2008.
“I think our group of girls will do well,” Hegner said. “We have got it going pretty well the last couple of seasons.”