How’s that for openers?: Nora Hanlon, Deborah Phillips, Keeley Johnson, Laura Thompson, Levia Block and Jean Burnett of Burr Ridge and unincorporated Hinsdale are spending this weekend in Indianapolis competing in the United States Tennis Association’s Sectionals.
They and four team members from the Lockport area captured the Illinois title by besting the Homewood-Flossmoor Racquet Fitness Club’s 2.5-rated team, their only competitor.
“To some it might not be a big deal, but we were thrilled,” said Hanlon, whose neophyte group began taking lessons at the Lockport Park District’s Fitness Forum last fall. “Kevin Togliatti, our instructor, thinks tournament play is a good way to improve one’s game; our 2.5 merit rating under USTA rules allows us to play teams of comparable ability.”
“They weren’t too enthusiastic about tournament play until they won their first match; now there’s no holding them back,” said Togliatti.
If they win this weekend, it’s on to Flushing Meadows, N.Y., for the Nationals in September.