Last weekend the Niles North girls tennis team (NNGTT) traveled to Springfield to compete in a tournament with 15 other high schools from the Central Suburban League conference (CSL).
The girls had arrived on Saturday and they got ready by stretching and checking all their equipment. The single set included Michelle Bacalla, Sabrina Palavra, and Ysabel Gonzaga. It was Bacalla who played in the number 1 seed that helped sealed the team’s victory over all.
She was up against a formidable opponent, her name was Madison Tattini. This was the same girl she had beaten last year. The game itself was explosive. Both of these athletes training can be clearly seen in the game. Tattini would have powerful serves that would make it hard for any other tennis player to return, but Bacalla was ready for them. She would return it with ease and grace of a varsity tennis player.
Michelle had won with a score of 6-3 6-4 as she shook Tattini’s hand she had defended her title and help the NNGTT win the championship second time in a row.
“This win is going to help our team by giving everyone the confidence they need in order to fight every match in the upcoming games,” Bacalla, sophomore said.
The NNGTT had four girls to represent them in the double matches. Alex Burbules, Dacey Maglaque, Jackie Ehrlich and Amy Burke. The first seed belonged to Burbules and Maglaque which helped the team secure first place. In the finals they had v.s some students from Alton high school. They were solid tennis players that had amazing form. They had good serves, volleys and teamwork. The Alton students weren’t the only team to have amazing chemistry, but so did Burbules and Maglaque. They’ve been playing together since freshman year.
The game was very intense the Alton team had been ahead of the girls, the score was 3-1. The girls had enough and began rallying points, the score had become 3-2. However one of the Alton girls fell and required an injury time out. After the 10 minute break, Burbules and Maglaque continued their high quality of play continuing the rally. The girls had won with a final score of 6-4.
With these wins the NNGTT had solidified their win and aced the Springfield conference.
“Our main goal was to win not only individually but as a team as well. We would cheer each other on and make sure everyone was supported and pumped up for their matches.” Ehrlich, senior, said.
NNGTT isn’t done dominating yet, come support them on Spet. 24, 2015 against Highland Park and the September 30 against Glen Brook North as they get ready for conference and sectionals.
