Maine West Sports Roundup: Badminton Continues Youthful Transition

Badminton: Any team relying on a handful of new athletes to the varsity level can expect to struggle. But a roster in which 80 percent of the players possess zero varsity experience presents a daunting challenge.

That was the task Coach Maggie Weber was faced with coming into this year’s badminton season. Maine West returned only two starters from last year’s team and welcomed on 10 newcomers who played primarily at the JV level last season.

“We are a very young team,” Weber said. “It has been tough getting them all at the level of play expected at the varsity level, but we have had much success since the start of the season in bringing them up to where they need to be.”

Maine West finds itself with a record of 4-3, but Weber says a couple of their losses have been because of inconsistent play.

“We definitely need to be more consistent and bring the same level of play to every game,” Weber said. “All of the players have it in them, but it's not always something they bring to the court.”

When we can get this to become a part of every game and practice, I think we will be even more successful.”

Still, the work ethic and play of Maine West’s captains –Sarah Gangl, Katrina Mira and Cindy Wong – have Weber encouraged that the Warriors will only improve as the season progresses and into next year as well. Weber noted that this year’s juniors are some of the hardest workers on the team, going above and beyond her expectations.

Gangl and Mira made it to the final round of last year’s sectionals, but fell one game short of advancing to state. This year, Gangl and Mira are Maine West’s No. 1 and No. 2 singles players while also combining to form the Warriors’ No. 1 doubles team. Weber has hopes that the duo will advance to state this season.

“Finishing fourth or better in conference is a goal I have held all season,” Weber said. “I think we are definitely capable of it and with the hard work we've been doing, I think it is a reachable goal.”

Girls water polo: After jumping out to a quick 5-1 lead over New Trier, Maine West struggled to close out a solid Trevian squad, losing 14-6 on April 19. New Trier scored six goals in the second period and three more in the third to put the game out of reach.

“Overall, the girls played well and did a very good job playing aggressively,” coach Brett Unruh said.

Rachel Pond had three goals for Maine West while Kelsey Maciejewski added two.

The Warriors dropped three games in the Vernon Hills Tournament on April 16, losing to Conant, Hoffman Estates and Vernon Hills.

Girls soccer: Rachel Laznowski and Annaliese Walsten each had goals for Maine West (4-8-1, 0-1 CSL North) in the Warriors’ 2-0 victory over Leyden on April 14. Sara Stephanovich had six saves in goal.

Maine West lost a tough 1-0 match to Niles North on April 18.

SCOREBOARD WATCHING:

Boys Water polo:

St. Charles East 26, Maine West 6 on April 14

McHenry 14, Maine West 2 on April 18

New Trier 13, Maine West 7 on April 19

Girls Badminton:

Maine West 11, Rolling Meadows 4 on April 20

Baseball:

Glenbrook South 6, Maine West 5 on April 14

Boys Volleyball:

Maine East d. Maine West 25-12, 23-25, 25-12 on April 20