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August 21, 2023

Huntley girls tennis player Julie Klockner returns a serve during a Red Raiders practice.
Steve Peterson
Huntley girls tennis player Julie Klockner returns a serve during a Red Raiders practice.

Sports • August 21, 2023

Girls netters aim to keep top FVC spot

By

HUNTLEY — With quality returning starters and a talented squad, Huntley head girls tennis coach Barry Wells is optimistic about the Red Raiders season.

The Red Raiders were Fox Valley Conference champions in both the regular season and post-season tournament. Wells is beginning his 18th season guiding Huntley girls tennis.

Top returning players for HHS include two state qualifiers who are sophomore Ella Doughty who earned runner-up at No. 1 singles and was a Class 2A state qualidier. Junior Kate Burkey, placed first in the FVC at first doubles and qualified for state with graduated Elaina Hibbeler.

Junior Ari Patel ended third in the FVC at No. 2 singles, while sophomore Julie Klockner and junior Carlie Weishaar won the FVC at  No. 3 doubles. Also, seniors Ashley Phommasack and Ellie Pauwels  placed second in the conference at No. 4 doubles.

Huntley’s roster also includes freshman Gia Patel, sophomore Michelle Sobolewski and juniors Shea Nagle, Vinuthna Depala, Trinity Nguyen and Sara Willis.

Wells commented on the team’s strengths as the season opener neared Aug. 18-19 with the HHS-Jacobs Invite. The first day’s matches will be at HHS courts.

“We graduated a lot of very good players last year, including three-time state qualifier Hibbeler,” Wells said. “We bring back a lot of quality starters and have some good talent to fill in the spots we lost.”

Doughty, who qualified for the Class 2A state tournament last year,  will be one of the leaders this fall.

“I think that we will have a deep team again this year and have a successful season,” Wells said. “Doughty will be one of the top singles players in the area. She finished 2nd in conference at 1s as a freshman and her game and mentality have both improved a lot since last year. Burkey won conference last year at No. 1 doubles. Her partner graduated and we are still trying to figure out who she will be playing with, as well as the other doubles combinations. Patel will play No. 2 singles and should be one of the stronger players in the area at that position.”