By Randy Whalen

When Felicitas Scherer came to the United States as a transfer student from Germany this past summer she knew she would have many different experiences.

However, one that the Joliet Township tennis player didn't expect to have was qualifying for the Illinois High School Association State Finals.

That's exactly what the Joliet Central junior did. She finished fourth on Saturday, October 19 at the Class 2A Lincoln-Way West Sectional.

"I'm just grateful to have the opportunity," Scherer said of going to state, following the sectional. "I didn't have the goal to go to state but I'm looking forward to the experience."

The experience was excellent for Scherer. While she was swept by Hinsdale Central senior Kotryna Tomas 6-0, 6-0 in the opening match at state, and lost 6-1, 6-0 to Lake Zurich freshman Lora Boianov in the consolation round on Thursday, October 24, being there was the amazing thing for her.

"The state experience is so incredible," Joliet Township coach Elizabeth Covelli-Reyes said. "We see some of the best athletes playing tennis in our state and many of them we never see during the season. It is so much celebration, win or lose, because of the level of play being demonstrated on every court across all players. 

"Felicitas made it to state as a first-time athlete in the United States and she really saw such an appreciation for the sport as we participated in and watched matches in the state series. She joined our team with skill and worked hard to grow in her strategy and the mental toughness required to succeed in the sport. When all those things merged for her, she really was such a fun player to watch and coach."

She also had a great time off the court with her friend at state.

"I expect to just have fun at state," Scherer said after the sectional. "My friend, Alih Rangel is going to state with me. We're going to take a lot of books, we're both book crazy."

The sectional started on Friday, October 18. There Scherer defeated Champaign Central sophomore Lily Kant 6-1, 6-4 in the opening round. Then got past Plainfield Central junior Alyssa Link 6-0, 6-2 in the quarterfinal to advance to the semifinals and qualify for state.

Although Scherer, who was seeded second, lost 6-1, 6-2 to No. 5 seeded senior Jenna Labriola from Lincoln-Way Central in the semifinal and then fell 6-1, 6-3 to No. 3 seeded senior Maria Manzella, also from Lincoln-Way Central, she got there. 

Lincoln-Way West senior Emily Tigchelaar, the No. 1 seed, won the singles title with a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Labriola. No. 2 seeded seniors Hannah Linko and Rebecca Linko, from Plainfield Central, captured the doubles championship with a hard-fought 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over top-seeded senior Kara Charney and sophomore Fiona Leakey from Champaign Central.

Team-wise, it was very close. Lincoln-Way West won its first-ever girls' tennis sectional with 21 points. Lincoln-Way Central (19) was second while Champaign Central (16), Minooka (16), and Plainfield Central (16) tied for third. Joliet Township (10), Bradley-Bourbonnais (6) Plainfield South (4), Champaign Centennial (0), and Kankakee (0) followed.

Since Scherer came to the States, she got stronger at the game.

"I definitely felt that I got much stronger through the practice," she said. "Here there is more slicing and more power here. I started playing seven years ago but there are no high school sports in Germany. I liked to play but at times I'd only play tennis once a week or on weekends with family. 

"I always wanted to beat my dad, Erwin, and I think I can now."

Following the sectional, Scherer was on Facetime with her family. She also looked forward to going to Homecoming that night. 

"I like singles better," Scherer said when asked if she ever played doubles. "I'm alone out there and have to figure it out by myself. I have to give myself feedback so I can improve."

While Scherer was the only one who made it to state for Joliet, the entire team improved this season. Senior Brianna Ocampo was also at the sectional in singles. So were junior Sofia Mancilla and freshman Mia Kristensen along with the top doubles team of seniors Jaylene Orozco and Alih Rangel, who reached the quarterfinals before losing to the Linko's. 

"I am so sad to see this season come to an end as it truly was one of so much growth for the entire team," Covelli-Reyes said. "By the end of the season, players were working so hard on strategy and started to notice the patterns of opponents across the net. 

"There is something so special about our graduating class, which is all of our seniors and Felicitas since she will be back in Germany next year. There is truly just a joy for tennis in them that will be hard to replace next year. I am already seeing some of our younger athletes pick up the joy they have in tennis and talk about their goals for next year."

While this will be Scherer's only season with the team, it is an experience that she and the team will never forget.

"It was a surprise," Scherer said. "I think everything was a surprise. The girls were so supportive. I don't think I would have made it without the team."

The team also appreciated the experience. 

"I am so proud to have been able to coach Felicitas and all of the players this year," Covelli-Reyes said. "Tennis is a hard sport to grow in and this season every single athlete grew so much and gave so much heart each day. We have big goals for our future here at Joliet Tennis and Felicitas was one of the many athletes leaving us this year that inspired those goals."