Stroner, J’burg blank Woodstock

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JOHNSBURG – Johnsburg senior Alexa Stroner had to make some adjustments heading into the girls tennis season – the biggest of which was not having her sister, Nicole, on the court with her.

Alexa and Nicole played No. 1 doubles for the Skyhawks the past two seasons and qualified for state last year. Alexa Stroner said the move to No. 1 singles was challenging but also gave her more accountability.

“It’s really different without my sister,” Stroner said. “[But] it’s nice to know that I control everything. I know the mistakes I make are just my own.”

Stroner defeated Woodstock’s Iris Krandel, 6-0, 6-0, on Thursday to lead the Skyhawks to a 7-0 Fox Valley Conference win.

Also for Johnsburg, Emily Zawacki and Audrey Swantz defeated Woodstock’s Anne Wylie and Cat Cross, 6-3, 6-0 at No. 1 doubles.

Playing singles also has forced Stroner to play a more aggressive game. She knows that getting to the net is just as important in singles but a lot more difficult.

After dropping her first match of the year to Prairie Ridge, Stroner has six consecutive wins.

“The one thing I need to work on the most is my approaches and volleys,” Stroner said. “I’m definitely progressing and it feels really good.”

Skyhawks’ coach Rick Bailey said he told Stroner in June that she needed to concentrate on her singles game. That transition included developing a more varied and creative game plan.

“She’s learning how to construct points,” Bailey said. “It was a little less comfortable since she hadn’t done it. You have to trust yourself.”

It also was an adjustment for Bailey, who has had at least two Stroners on his team for quite a few years. Alexa is the last of four Stroners to play for Bailey. Twin sisters Michelle and Lauren Stroner now are seniors at Lake Forest College and will be joined by freshman Nicole on the team this year.

“They’re great kids,” Bailey said. “It’s just a wonderful family.”

Pablo Pomares took over the Woodstock program this year from Steve Beard and despite some losses is remaining positive. The Blue Streaks dropped to 0-5 with the loss to Johnsburg (2-2 overall and FVC).

Pomares said the mind-set of his players was good and they wanted to improve.

“They all have the right attitude,” Pomares said. “They come to practice and they want to be there.”

Pomares, who was Beard’s assistant on the boys team last year, said what his team might lack on the court is made up for in their unity.

“One of our strengths is that they are very good as a team,” Pomares said. “They are together. They cheer each other.”