Tennis squad keeps FVC dynasty going

HUNTLEY – The sunset was fading when Huntley’s girls tennis team received its Fox Valley Conference Invitational plaque and first place team trophy.

The Red Raiders just beat the darkness Oct. 11 at Crystal Lake Central, but had outlasted eight other league teams and won all seven titles in singles and doubles brackets. Huntley won the tournament for the fifth straight year with 61 points to runner-up Cary-Grove’s 49.

Now the squad hopes to keep the momentum going strong when the Class 2A Sectional comes to Huntley’s courts Oct. 18-19. They will be striving for qualifying spot at the Class 2A IHSA State Tennis Meet, Oct. 24-26 hosted by Hersey High School in Arlington Heights.

A three-set win by No. 1 doubles tandem Carlie Weishaar and Kate Burkey was the finishing touch. They outlasted CLC’s Lexi Mailey and Maggie O’Connell after a 5-7 loss, they won 6-2, 6-3.

Another long doubles battle took place at No. 4 doubles as Sara Willis and Giulina Farraj beat C-G’s Taylor Hamman and Karyn Blummer, 6-2, 6-7 (8), 6-1.

Doubles wins for titles also were from Julie Klockner and Ari Patel at No. 2 in straight sets. Also in doubles, No. 3 duo Shea Nagle and Vinuthna Depala beat CLC’s Anna Starr and Olivia Cairgen, 6-1, 6-4.

For singles, junior Ella Doughty entered the tournament after a perfect 8-0 regular season at No. 1 singles. She beat Prairie Ridge’s Annie Mertel, 6-2, 6-1 for the title. Doughty finished second in the FVC tournament the last two years.

“We have a lot of seniors on this team and we knew we’ll finish strong,” Doughty said. “I’m excited for sectional but a little nervous, because last year I lost in the state qualifier.”

Coach Barry Wells said Doughty’s forehand “is a big weapon.”

No. 2 singles player Gia Patel downed C-G’s Baliana Kutson, 6-0, 6-2. She had to overcome an injury to win.

“She had to change her strategy, but gutted out the win. I’m proud of Gia,” Wells said.