Girls tennis squad hopeful for strong ’22

HUNTLEY – Huntley’s girls tennis team is hopeful an experienced squad will carry its momentum from a 2021 Fox Valley Conference crown to another strong effort this fall.

“We won the FVC the last two years, but we graduated a talented group of seniors, including four-time state qualifier Ruhi Gulati. We have very good returning players and I think we still have strong depth and be successful this season,” HHS coach Barry Wells said. “Our goals include returning as conference champions and winning sectionals. Last year we played well but finished in second place at Class 2A sectionals to a very good Rockford Auburn team (34-23).”

One senior leading the way is Elaina Hibbeler, a two-time state qualifier in singles. She will play doubles this season.

Seniors are also Emily Chong and Nora Stevenson. Juniors include  Ashley Phommassack and Ellie Pauwels. Sophomores include Kacie Scerbicke, Kate Burkey, Arianna Patel, Carlie Weishaar and Delaney Stock.

“Ella Doughty is a freshman this year but she will be one of the better players in the area and will play at or near the top of the lineup,” Wells said.

“We are still trying to find the right combination of players in the starting lineup but practices have been going great and the girls are really bonding as a team,” Wells commented.

As for the FVC, Jacobs will be a challenger to the Red Raiders’ hopes to defend the title, Wells said.

“I think we should be the deepest which should give us a good chance to return as FVC champions,” Wells said.

Season opener

The Red Raiders fell to Batavia, 7-2, in non-conference action Aug. 24 at HHS’s courts.

“They’re a real good team,” Wells said. “I was happy with how we played.”

Both of the Red Raiders’ victories came in doubles. At No. 1 doubles, Elaina Hibbeler and Kate Burkey won, 6-3, 6-4. At No. 5, Shea Nagle and Sara Willis won, 6-4, 7-6.