By Randy Whalen

The Joliet Township girls' tennis team might not have experience, but it has had fun. 

Record-wise, the team hasn't performed well. However, that's okay, because this great group has improved and enjoyed the season.

"We have a very young team in that three-fourths of my team is new to the varsity," Joliet coach Elizabeth Covelli-Reyes said. "There is a much faster pace to the varsity game. We've also had injuries and people going in and out. 

But everyone is getting better, everyone is getting along. It's the most fun I've had coaching in a long time."

That's because of players like Lauren Krohn and Sania Taylor. The junior duo has stepped into varsity play for the first time this season at No. 4 doubles.

"Yes, it's my first year on varsity," Krohn confirmed. "I was on the JV team the last two years. It's been going great, I love it, and I love Coach Covelli-Reyes."

So does Taylor, who only started playing tennis a year ago.

"I've only been playing for a year," Taylor said. "I've played badminton too. As far as tennis, I really just like the atmosphere. and the vibe it gives off. 

"I really love talking to everyone. An example is that we have a Winner's Club (which includes selected varsity leaders, who meet three times per season to exchange ideas, share concerns, and strengthen leadership skills). So we go out, play, and we are proud of ourselves."

Senior Sofia Mancilla and junior Willow Perruquet are the top doubles team. Juniors Emily Trujano and Elena Yanchick have been the No. 2 doubles team, while senior Ariel Smith and junior Isa Hebrard Flores are the No. 3 doubles team. 

In singles, Avery Cooper has been in the top spot. Fellow senior Kimberly Alvarez has been the No. 2, while sophomore Mia Kristensen has been in the third spot.

"We have six seniors and two sophomores on the team," Covelli-Reyes said. "Lexi Crandall is a sophomore who was on the JV last year, and Mia Kristensen had been playing doubles last year, but has now moved to singles for us. She has really improved."

On the flip side, Krohn has enjoyed playing doubles. 

"I love doubles because you have someone to lean on," Krohn said. "You're not getting in your own head. We're improving, and it's been a good season." 

Unfortunately, the invite that Joliet was supposed to host on Saturday, September 13, at Joliet West was rained out. The team was scheduled to play at the Lincoln-Way West Invite on Saturday, September 27. 

"The girls who have come up from the JV team continue to rise," Covelli-Reyes said. "We have great character kids, and we do have talent. It's just growing."