Ready to repeat

Carolyn Huerth (left) and Allison Murphy return as seniors to defend the state title they won in doubles for Prairie Ridge last season. (Danielle Guerra – dguerra@nwherald.com) ( ())

E-mail this story

Print this story

Share

Carolyn Huerth and Allison Murphy entered the girls tennis season a year ago anticipating their first match as a doubles team for Prairie Ridge.

This year they enter as reigning IHSA state doubles champions. The difference is notable from a confidence and comfort level.

“It’s kind of a better feeling,” Murphy said. “We’re more comfortable with each other.”

While the pair melded as a doubles team last season, it is their differences on and off the court that might be their greatest asset. Although different, they are supportive and draw on each other’s individual strengths.

“We keep each other in line,” Huerth said. “I’m more the aggressive one. She calms me down.”

As state champions, they know that they will have targets on their backs. That pressure will be somewhat easier to take as a doubles team than a singles player.

“We’re going to help each other get through it,” Murphy said.

The Prairie Ridge team also will have to adjust to a new coach as Michelle Werkema takes over for Jessica Fetzner, who resigned.

Werkema played tennis at Crystal Lake Central under the late Judy Elder and has continued to play competitively and coach professionally.

She sees taking over a successful program like the Wolves as a great opportunity. Having an elite doubles team could cause team chemistry problems with the other players, but Werkema said that is not an issue with her new team.

“They respect each other,” Werkema said of the girls on her team. “They’re willing; they’re dedicated.”

Murphy said that although she and Huerth are eager to defend their state title, she also is looking forward to the regular season, both practicing, traveling and competing as a team.

“It’s fun being a whole team rather than just being with Carolyn,” Murphy said.

To get ready for state, Prairie Ridge will face some tough competition during the season.

In addition to their Fox Valley Conference schedule, the Wolves will start with a dual against perennial power Barrington and play invitationals at Fremd and Hersey and a doubles tournament at Wheaton Warrenville South.

“It’s a great team,” Werkema said. “Any way that we can be challenged, all the better for us.”

Although there are many bus rides to take and matches to be played, Huerth’s and Murphy’s focus never will stray far from their ultimate goal of being on the court Oct. 23 at Prospect as the only undefeated doubles team in the state tournament.

“I think there’s a good chance we can do it again,” Huerth said. “Since we won it, I think both of us have the mindset to work even harder.”