GIRLS TENNIS: Spartans Advance Max Number to State in Sectional Win

The Glenbrook North girls tennis team’s goal all season long has been to finish in the top ten in the state. The Spartans took a big step towards reaching that goal on Saturday.

GBN won the Maine East Sectional, edging Glenbrook South 30 points to 26, and advanced both singles players and both doubles teams to next week’s state tournament. Juniors Anna Zelechonok and Katrine Zhadovich took the doubles title, defeating teammates Miriam Mikhelson and Lisa Silshtut 6-3, 6-3 in the final.

Zelechonok and Zhadovich won the sectional without dropping a set. The duo is headed to state for the third year in a row and is hoping to make another deep run.

“We’re pumped to go and play and do the best we can,” Zhadovich said. “Last year we made it to the quarters so we’re trying to do better than that.”

“I think this year we’re a little more excited for state because we know we can do well since we did last year,” Zelechonok added.

Spartan coach Peggy Holecek thinks her top doubles team is capable of winning state.

“I think they’re one of the top teams, I really do,” Holecek said. “They have as good of a shot as anyone else. When they get hot they can play. I’m excited.”

Mikhelson and Silshtut also return to state and are looking to improve on last year’s 2-2 showing. The juniors had the unusual circumstances of playing their teammates in the doubles final, but it’s not the first time that happened.

Last year’s final at the same sectional had the same result, but the score was more lopsided at 6-0, 6-0. Mikhelson thinks they are in a much better position to do well at state this time around.

“I think we’re playing a lot better,” Mikhelson said. “We played Anna and Katrine in the finals last year and even though we lost we did a lot better than last year.”

The experience the duo gained at state last fall should help them pick up more wins.

“Last year we kind of didn’t really know what kind of teams that were going to be there,” Silshtut said. “This year I think we’re a little bit more prepared.”

On the singles side the Spartans qualified a pair of newcomers to the state tournament. Junior Elizabeth Sak took second place at the sectional and senior Vicki Olejniczak took fourth to earn the final qualifying spot.

Even in last year’s fourth place finish the Spartans only advanced one singles player so there is good reason for optimism and excitement in the GBN camp.

The state tournament begins Thursday at various locations and concludes on Saturday.