by Mike Slodki
Lady Knights tennis (2-4, 1-1 Western Sun Conference) took a tumble against Batavia on Thursday, but righted itself on Tuesday at Rochelle.

The Bulldogs swept the Lady Knights 7-0 in Maple Park, while the JV team lost 6-1, with the No. 1 doubles tandem of Caiti Ellefsen and Megan Hanlon earning a 6-3, 6-3 win.

Against the host Hubs, the Lady Knights swept the singles side in impressive fashion in a 5-2 win. No .1 entry Lindsay Jurcenko won 6-3, 6-3. No. 2 competitor Amelia Napiorkowski took a 6-2, 6-1 contest, while No. 3 Madi Limbrick earned her first varsity singles win 6-4, 6-1.

No. 1 doubles team Olivia Emmanouil and Liz Webb emerged victorious, as did No .2 team Randi Bader and Kelsey Lenhardt.

“Real bright spots today,” Kaneland coach Tim Larsen said. “We lost a tough match to Batavia, but all the girls played strong and I could see it coming together. Their swings are approaching midseason form and that win for Madi is a big one.”

Limbrick, a sophomore, was glad to get that first varsity win under her racket.

“It really does feel good,“ Limbrick said. “I feel like I don’t have to worry as much any more. I just have to worry about my own game and not the other player’s.”

The next challenge for Kaneland tennis is a road excursion to DeKalb on Thursday, Sept. 17. The girls then go to the Yorkville Quad, set to serve at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19.