Sun-Times girls tennis preview

Updated: August 29, 2011 7:44PM

Hinsdale Central’s Kristy Hamilton is versatile.

“She is a very gifted athlete,” Hinsdale Central coach Robin Kramer said. “She is such a good doubles player, she can play with anyone.”

Hamilton will be with her third different doubles partner in as many years for Hinsdale Central’s girls’ tennis team. Hamilton was a point away from the doubles finals two years ago when she was paired with Marika Cusik but this year, Hamilton, who is a senior, will be with Jackie Altansarnai.

“Everyone is a bit different,” Hamilton said. “They key is to find out if they are a passive or aggressive out there. I know pretty quick because I am good friends with my partner. We find a way to work well together.”

Hamilton comes from strong tennis family. Her sister was at state champion and now plays at Northwestern. Hamilton, who is also an excellent student, hopes to take her tennis career to Case-Western, Colgate or Swathmore.

Hamilton and Altansarnai will be part of the Red Devils' number two squad. The grouping of Cusik and Caroline Lorenzini is retuning this year after winning the state title a year ago. Hamilton says playing against that group each day in practice keeps her and Altansarnai strong.

“Many of my tennis friends, when they return to high school, they just can’t find the competition they need in practice,” Hamiliton said. “We get it every day.”

With two of the top doubles teams in the state, along with singles players Alex Solovyev and Grace Tapak, Hinsdale Central looks like the team to beat in 2011.

“Our lineup isn’t quite set yet.” Kramer said. “We will use the season to tinker with it a bit.”

Kramer and her squad will get a look at the top teams before the state meet. Hinsdale Central, Lake Forest and New Trier will all meet in an invitational on October 1st at Lake Forest.

Top Teams

1. Hinsdale Central: With the returning state champs in doubles in Marika Cusick and Caroline Lorenzini and Hamilton, who was on top for doubles squad in 2009, the Red Devils should be poised to claim the title. Alex Solovyev and Jackie Altansarnai give Hinsdale strong singles players as well.

2. Lake Forest: The defending champion Scouts look to Taya Zoubareva and Megan Moris to help overcome the loss of state champion singles player Maddie Lipp, who decided not to compete on the high school level this year.

3. New Trier: The Trevians will look to make a run at the title behind singles players Carol Finke, Julia Schroeder and Emily Barretta along with doubles player Rebecca Ritchie.

4. Benet: The Redwings return the top 11 from a team that finished sixth last year. They are led by Cassie Kovach, Leah Tzakis and doubles teams of Madeline Carney/Kim Simmons and Daniella Reyes/Mary Beth King.

5.Glenbard West: The Hilltoppers look for a top-five spot behind Meredith Maltby, Molly Hennessy and Samantha Reedy along with doubles team Hannah Ford/Maddie Morris.

Top Singles Players

Keisha Clousing, Wheaton Warrenville South, So.; Alexis Casati, Deerfield, Jr.; Kelly Poggnessee-Wei, Grayslake North, Sr.; Adesuwa Osabuohien, Homewood-Flossmoor, Jr.; Alex Solovyev, Hinsdale Central, So.; Haley O’Connor, Maine South, Sr.;Alex Chatt, Lyons, So.; Cassie Kovach, Benet, Jr.; Meredith Maltby, Glenbard West, Jr.; Maria Avgernos, York, So.; Caroline Ryba, Glenbrook South, Fr.; Monica Lin, Schaumburg, Jr.;Jennifer Gates, Bartlett, So.;Alexxis Kiven, Stevenson, Fr.;Carol Finke, New Trier, So.

Top Doubles

Markina Cusick (Jr.)/ Caroline Lorenzini (Jr.), Hinsdale Central; Anna Zelechonok (So.)/Katrine Zhadovich (So.), Glenbrook North; Molly Hennessy (So.)/Samantha Reedy (Jr.), Glenbard West; Jenna Borszak (So.)/Jorie Fox (So.), Deerfield; Madekine Carney (Jr.) / Kim Simmons (Jr.), Benet

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