C-G’s Hughes showing signs of life

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CARY– It’s been a slow progression this season for Cary-Grove’s Beth Hughes to return to the form that earned her an IHSA state berth last year as a freshman.

Hughes battled a nagging ankle sprain that she suffered playing soccer and has struggled with consistency. With the Fox Valley Conference tournament two weeks away, her game is starting to take shape.

“It started off a little slow,” Hughes said of her season. “I’m really pulling it together now. It’s almost where I want it to be.”

Hughes defeated Huntley’s Jordan Anderson, 6-0, 6-1, on Thursday at No. 1 singles to lead the Trojans to a 6-1 FVC win.

The Trojans improved to 12-7 overall and got above the .500 mark in conference at 5-4. C-G coach Bud Lachel said it had been an up-and-down year for his team.

“It’s been an interesting year,” Lachel said. “We lost a couple that I think we should have won.”

Lachel said that what his No. 1 player needed most were wins against quality opponents.

“She needs a couple of wins to get her confidence up,” Lachel said. “She’s not where I’d like her to be, but she’s getting a little more consistent.”

What pleased Lachel the most was a three-set win at No. 2 doubles. Amanda Reuter and Kristen Trotter defeated the Red Raiders’ Jamie Elam and Kelly Wuich, 6-0, 5-7, 6-1. Lachel said his team has struggled winning three-set matches

On Wednesday, C-G defeated Jacobs, 4-3, but Reuter and Trotter lost in a three-set match.

“That I’m pleased with,” Lachel said. “We’ve had trouble with that all year long.”

Also for the Trojans, Elizabeth Powers and Elizabeth Lehnertz defeated Sam Chapman and Ashley Pietrusiak, 6-3, 6-3, at No. 1 doubles.

Bri Roeser picked up the lone win for Huntley with a 6-3, 6-0 win at No. 3 singles against Laura Sparks.

The Red Raiders (6-10, 1-9) have struggled this year in the FVC.

But Huntley coach Barry Wells said the program was showing signs of progress.

“I think we’re a better team than our record shows,” Wells said. “We lost some close matches.”   

After returning only three players from last year’s varsity lineup, Huntley’s lineup this year has only one senior. Although Wells is still hopeful of qualifying some players for state at the Elgin Sectional, his focus is on improving his team’s play and gaining experience.

“I think we’ve been getting better throughout the season,” Wells said. “I think we can have a solid team next year.”