“School of Hard Knocks” is a description Riverside-Brookfield girls tennis coach Bob Hegner occasionally uses to describe the approach employed by several of his players.
“A virtue many of our players have is the ability to make sure the ball comes back every time,” Hegner said. “Their strokes aren’t textbook, but if they allow the opposition to miss shots they can win about 75 percent of their matches. Keeping the ball in play won’t work against tennis schools like Hinsdale Central or Lyons Township, but it’s a successful strategy against most of the other teams we face.”
The Bulldogs certainly backed up Hegner’s on-court theory last season to the tune of an 18-4 record. In Metro Suburban Conference action, defending champion Glenbard South and runner-up Illiana Christian each beat the Bulldogs twice. Riverside-Brookfield will have to unseat the same two rivals this fall if the Bulldogs hope to reclaim conference bragging rights. Senior Brittany Janney, who performed well replacing Robin Jensen in sectional competition last season, is poised to assume a top singles position.
“Brittany is very quick and can really move around the court,” Hegner said. “She goes all out all the time, but sometimes less is best. When a player is pursuing the ball it’s important she has fast feet but slow hands.”
Claire Wilson, Emily O’Connor and Salem Baer are all competitive players well suited to bolster the Bulldogs’ singles rotation. Wilson, who Hegner feels has No. 1 singles potential, is a complete player with excellent court sense.
While doubles combinations are still in consideration, the top RB tandem likely will be experienced players Nina Waszak and Madison Powers. Caitlin Boxell, Aneliese Gibson and Jamie Payne are other solid options for doubles competition. The Bulldogs also should benefit from an infusion of newcomers like promising freshman Nina Dorenbos along with Sarah Benya and Lauren Krolasik.
“We don’t have stars but we have depth,” Hegner said. “A lot of the girls tend to play at a similar level. The girls have shown a good attitude in practice leading up to the season.”
The Lady Bulldogs host Addison Trail, which is coached by Hegner’s son, Justin, on Thursday, Aug. 25 to open the season.