Vikings Sports Roundup: Girls Tennis Off to Quick Start

GIRLS TENNIS: It all starts at the top for the Niles North tennis team and coach John Amaro is happy that his captain is setting the tone.

Erica Markovitz carries an undefeated mark of 5-0, helping lead Niles North to a 4-1 record in its five dual meets.

“She is stronger, smarter and faster than last year,” Amaro said. “Her leadership is crucial and beneficial to the team.”

Niles North has beaten Evanston, Niles West, North Shore Country Day and Elmwood Park so far this season with its only loss coming against St. Viator in a tight 4-3 match.

On the doubles side, captain Jolene Strauss and senior Maddy Neuhaus have made a formidable duo that is 4-1 on the year. Their only loss came when Strauss had to forfeit the match because of a back injury.

While the injuries are a concern to Amaro, he said it’s important to develop trust with in his entire team early in the season

“As a coach it’s nice to have the confidence in all of your athletes to step in for someone and still achieve our goal to win,” Amaro said.

FOOTBALL: on September 5 in a game was spread over two days and featured no offensive scoring.

NOTES: Dennis Macas, Niles North’s head athletic trainer was inducted into the Niles North Coaches Wall of Honor on September 3.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL: The Vikings split back-to-back matches against Regina and Niles West. Niles North rallied for a three-game victory over Regina 16-25, 25-22, 25-18 on September 6. Taylor Louis and Andrea Lopez each had nine kills while Sam Acance dished out 15 assists in the Vikings’ (5-4) victory.

A day later, the Vikings fell in the annual Skokie Skirmish, losing to Niles West 25-10, 25-16. Louis led the Vikings with four kills while Lopez contributed three kills in the loss at home.

CROSS COUNTRY: Both cross country teams participated in the Hornet / Red Devil Invitational on September 3, their biggest meet of the year to date.

The boys took sixth as a team (175 points) and were led by Aron Sebhat, who placed 10th in a time of 15 minutes, 36 seconds. Tim Vazquez (22nd place, 15:58) and Carlitos Rangel (40th place, 16:20) were also medal winners for the Vikings.

On the girls side, Niles North placed 14th (404 points) with senior Clara Williamson (38th place, 20:20) leading the way.

SCOREBOARD

BOYS GOLF:

Niles North 180, Waukegan 191 on September 1

Deerfield 160, Niles North 208 on September 6

BOYS SOCCER:

Lake Forest 3, Niles North 1 on September 1

Carmel 4, Niles North 2 on September 3