Royals make quick work of Chargers

AURORA -- Senior Day for Rosary's tennis team proved to be a short party for the Royals' players.

Aurora Central Catholic came to Marmion Academy, the Royals' home courts, hoping to give their Edgelawn Drive rivals a battle. But Rosary was too tough for the young Chargers, sweeping them 5-0 in convincing fashion.

The Royals are now 11-5-1 on the season after finishing their home schedule. After several more road contests, the Suburban Catholic Conference tournament awaits Oct. 11.

As has been the case all year, Rosary was led by No. 1 singles player Emily Reuland. The junior, who placed in the top 20 in the state last season, is 16-1 this year after overwhelming ACC's Melinsa Algen 6-0, 6-0.

"Emily's only loss was to a Downers Grove South player who finished seventh in the state last year," said Rosary coach John Tsang. "I feel Emily is one of the best, if not the best, player in the Fox Valley area. She has a lot of weapons. For her, it's all about building confidence going into the tournaments against the tougher players."

Reuland's powerful serve and ground strokes were too much to handle.

Elizabeth Vertin took care of Katie Callahan by a 6-1, 6-1 count at No. 2 singles.

The doubles matches were all 6-0, 6-0 victories for the Royals. Angelina Goheen (a state qualifier last season) and Katie King, both sophomores, played at the No. 1 position. The other two doubles teams were Viatra Baker and Kerry Zepeda and Quinn Tentinger and Leighann Thomas.

"We've been getting better each time out," said Tsang. "The only setback was against St. Francis a couple weeks ago, which we should have won. But overall, the girls have competed hard and continued to get better."