More winning answers from Benet

Going into this girls tennis season Benet coach Bob Comerford didn't know what to expect from his Redwings.

Preseason tryouts and practices were very competitive, but with no seniors and five new varsity players in the starting lineup there were a lot of questions.

The Redwing squad continued to provide the correct answers at home Wednesday, remaining undefeated at 10-0 with a 4-2 win over a strong Wheaton Warrenville South team.

It was the first time Benet had defeated the Tigers in a dual meet, according to Comerford.

Freshman Cassie Kovach and returning state qualifier Joyce Hanlon swept the singles matches in the two-doubles, four singles format, but the Tigers (4-2), who were missing two starters because of injuries, were able to split the doubles contests.

"I believe we're better at every single position than we were last year," Comerford said. "This could be a very good team. And the girls with the most ice in their veins are the three freshmen."

Kovach defeated state qualifier Courtney Burek 6-3, 6-1 at first singles.

"Cassie seems to be a Warrior," said Comerford. "Her first set could be messy, but she will grind it out and wear down her opponents. She's very aggressive. Today, she defeated a quality player. I think Cassie is someone to watch this year."

Hanlon, a junior, who has been a mainstay of the Benet squad, is thriving at second singles, adding a new level of consistency to her game.

"My motto this year is to be as aggressive as possible and stay focused throughout the match," Hanlon said.

Hanlon and Kovach, who are both undefeated, are providing strong competition for each other in practice.

"Playing against each other is helping both of us improve, Kovach said.

Freshmen Madeline Carney and Kim Simmons scored an impressive 6-0, 6-1 victory to continue their perfect season at second doubles.

"Maddy and Kimmie have been just beastly," Hanlon said. "They've just dominated everyone they've played. We have an unbelievable freshman class."

Benet's other doubles win came at the No.4 spot where Molly Halligan and Kathleen Allen defeated Gina Ravanesi and Liz Henderlite, 6-2, 2-6, 6-3.

Wheaton Warrenville coach Patti Clousing was encouraged by her team's performance, especially by her two doubles teams who won three-set victories.

She pointed out the importance of Melanie Milling and Andrea Kerwin's 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 win over Kelly Carney and Elissa Sledz, because the teams will be in the same sectional, and the win could have a bearing on the doubles seeding.

At third doubles Amara Kollias and Gabriela Boffa outlasted Molly Toner and Kristina Fyrwald, 6-4, 3-6 and 10-8 in a third-set tiebreaker.

"Our third doubles have been together for a couple of years and they play a smart game," Clousing said. "Their experience will pay off."

Both teams will be competing Saturday in the St. Charles East Tournament.