​Kasper, Lagunas qualify for nationals to cap tennis season

From start to finish this season, the women’s tennis team pounded away at practices, pushed at matches and worked hard, yielding two qualifiers for the national tournament.

With a trove of returners, the Cyclones saw a new coach lead the way after Nicole Selvaggio stepped down from the post. Robert Gates, who also coaches the men’s tennis team, took over and worked his team hard through the brief season. They improved at every practice and every match, as evidenced by several honors. Freshman Ana Karen Lagunas (Bremen) excelled as a Cyclone, capturing a championship at No. 5 singles in both the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference and NJCAA Region IV. Sophomore Alexis Kasper (Reavis) also is on the All-Region team at No. 1 singles, having peaked at the region tournament. Both Kasper and Lagunas qualified to compete at the NJCAA championship in May in Arizona. Oak Lawn alum LeAnn Peschel (No. 6 singles) and No. 3 doubles team Attah Bahri (Shepard) and Lagunas earned All-Conference honors as well.

The Cyclones finished third in conference and fourth in regionals. Their overall record (3-4) and conference record (2-2) are not indicative of their performance, however. Several matches could have gone their way with players just missing wins by points or falling in close tiebreakers. Sophomores Azizah Zayed (Reavis), Breanna Vollan (Chicago Christian) and Elizabeth Doory (Reavis) also contributed to efforts this season.

“It was a good season that had potential to be great. We need to add a few new recruits and continue to improve our returners to get to the next level. The potential returners are motivated and will work on things over the winter,” Gates said.