WOMEN'S TENNIS: Lady netters have hopes set on national tourney
By Dave Msseemmaa
Apache Associate Editor
Though Arizona is a couple thousand miles away, it doesn’t seem that far for the women’s tennis team. The nine Lady Apaches have beaten all of their Region IV opponents except for McHenry County College and are prime candidates to win their regional and advance to nationals in Tucson.
The Lady Apaches, whose record is 11-and-1 after their September 29 match against Kishwaukee, must place first or second in their regional to advance.McHenry County has strength in their top positions, but doesn’t have the depth that IVCC has.
“We were a good team last year and we almost made it (to nationals),” said women’s tennis coach Steve Crick. “This year we’re even stronger and we have more depth.”
Leading the team at No. 1 singles, freshman Wendy Grabowski of Peru has won eleven of twelve matches at singles. Her only loss was to Ottawa native Kelly Harris at St. Francis.
“Kelly had a really fast, accurate serve,” said Grabowski. “I couldn’t do much against her.”
Grabowski, however, did much against all other opponents. Teamed up with Lindsey Hammers at No. 1 doubles, the duo stands undefeated at press time.
“We compliment each other,” said Grabowski. “Lindsey is really strong at the net; I’m better staying in back, lobbing, and passing in the alleys.”
The 2000 LaSalle-Peru graduate said their biggest challenges were against St. Francis in their first match of the season and against College of DuPage.
The Lady Appaches went on the road for two weeks, playing their last four matches at other schools.Kishwaukee was downed on Sept. 27. College of DuPage was beaten 8-1, including Heidi Hewitt’s tiebreaker set at No. 6 singles. IVCC’s Sept. 26 win was their second win over COD this season.
The Lady Apache narrowly beat Joliet Junior College 5-4. Stepping up to No. 4 singles, Missy Poulakos was beaten after three sets and a tie-breaker. Mandi Morse stepped up from doubles to No. 6 singles and lost after a tie-breaker.
IVCC rolled over Rock Valley 9-0 on Sept. 18. The host at Rockford scored a total of only six points on the Apache women.
The IVCC women have not had problems with serious injuries. Hammers had a jaw problem that was affecting her neck, and Sarah Smith at No. 4 singles and Heidi Hewitt at No. 6 singles have had minor wrist problems.
The Lady Apaches face Eureka College on October 5. Eureka is a four-year school and is not in Region IV, so they do not pose a threat on IVCC’s trek toward nationals. IVCC finishes its regular season against McHenry County on October 10.
From there it’s the regional playoffs at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn on October 13 and 14. And if the Lady Apaches get their way, they finish the season under the Arizona Sun.