Providence twins bring natural chemistry to court

Updated: October 18, 2011 6:56PM

When it comes to success as a doubles pairing, on-court chemistry can be the most important thing, even more than pure skill or talent.

For Providence sophomores Maggie and Kelly Ruane, chemistry just isn’t a problem.

This year is the first the twins have played as a doubles pair, and with their sectional title win at Plainfield East, the Ruanes can make some noise at the state tournament, which starts Thursday.

So what is it like having your sister as a teammate on the court?

“Yeah, it’s fun,” both Maggie and Kelly answered in unison after their sectional win.

Six singles players and seven doubles pairings will represent the area in the three-day tournament. Twelve high schools in the northwest suburbs will host early matches, while the semifinal and championship matches will be held Saturday at Prospect High School.

Starting to play tennis in the fifth grade, the Ruanes often would play against each other but until this season had never played doubles together. After winning the consolation bracket at the East Suburban Catholic Conference meet, they won the Plainfield East Sectional, winning the title in three sets.

“It was a pretty big win being the first year we’re playing doubles, so it was a lot of fun,” Maggie said.

Last season as a freshman, Kelly qualified for state at doubles with senior Kathleen Kennedy, the duo losing both their matches. Kelly has a simple message for her sister about the state experience.

“Times get really stressful, but you just work your way through it and talk it out,” Kelly said. “Control your attitude, just calm each other down, and we’ll get through it.”

While the Ruane twins get their first crack at state, Plainfield Central’s Ali Foster is a tournament veteran, having qualified four straight years. Seeded 17-32 last season, the then-junior advanced all the way to the seventh round of the consolation bracket before losing her second match.

With one last chance at making a run, and having earned a 9-16 seed, Foster is eying Saturday’s matches.

“I want to make it to Saturday,” Foster said. “I haven’t done that before and I was close last year.”

With three years of experience, the senior believes the nerves of playing on such a big stage may be a thing of the past.

“(State) isn’t that bad unless you make yourself nervous,” Foster said. “There’s a little more pressure because it is my last shot, but hopefully I’ll do well.”

For Lockport’s singles and doubles players, experience could be the Porters’ biggest strength. Abigail Plecki will be making her third appearance at state and first as a singles player, while Kelsey Forkin qualified for a third straight year in doubles.

Plecki and Forkin were doubles partners the last two seasons.

“All the experience they’ve had up to now will definitely help in terms of the nerves and being calm,” Lockport coach Bob Champlin said. “They have to play their match and just continue to work on what we have all season.”

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