Kankakee Valley’s Sanderson advances as individual

Updated: September 28, 2011 10:08PM

CROWN POINT — Lake Central’s No. 1 player Thomas Lozanoski didn’t fare any better than anyone else playing across the net from Kankakee Valley’s Luke Sanderson.

The Kougars sophomore made quick work of the Indians’ top player in the opening round of the Crown Point Tennis Sectional on Wednesday, cruising in straight 6-0 sets in a match that was quick and painless.

The rest of the Indians, however, had Lozanoski’s back.

In fact, they dominated the Kougars in virtually the same quick and painless manner in which Sanderson operated.

In improving to 21-0 this year and 43-1 in his career, Sanderson advanced to next week’s Munster Regional, where he’ll compete in a sectional singles match against an opponent yet to be determined.

“We’re tickled to death with Luke,’’ KV coach Dan Roberts said. “We really upgraded our schedule this year. He had the opportunity to play against some super competition. He’s had his sights set on the Indiana state tournament since he lost in last year’s individual regional semifinals (to Will Corrigan of South Bend St. Joseph’s in the third set, 7-5). Luke’s looking forward to going even further this year.’’

Said Sanderson: “I’d like to get all the way down to Indy, that’s my goal. I think I’ve improved quite a bit this year. I have more power, more weapons, and, I believe, my mental game is better. I’ve got a good serve, a good forehand and I’m consistent, too.’’

In making quick work of the Kougars (6-15), the Indians (9-6) advanced to the sectional semifinals to play the host Bulldogs (14-3) at 4:15 p.m. Today.

“Overall, we played pretty well today,’’ LC coach Eric Stark said. “Our No. 3 singles player (Bryan Mika) looked real good. I hope he comes out and plays like that (today). I thought he hit the ball very well and clean. I think it was the best match he’s played all year — at least in terms of ball-striking.’’

Mika disposed of Ron Gatlin, 6-3, 6-1, while Chuckie Sayger, LC’s No. 2 singles player, made short work of KV’s Matt Clark, 6-0, 6-3.

“Compared to some of my matches, I was playing better than I have been,’’ Sayger said. “My serve was better -- I didn’t double-fault as many times — and I was playing pretty consistent overall.’’

Stark liked the way Sayger approached his match.

“He played great and had a great first set,’’ he said. “He played very, very well — winning against a kid who has a pretty good serve.’’

After losing to Crown Point (4-1) earlier this season, Sayger and his teammates are looking forward to facing the Bulldogs again.

“Nobody was playing their top game back then and it was a really, really hot day,’’ he said. “Myself and everyone else are really excited to face them again. We’re just going to have to come out play our games and be consistent.’’

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