Loyola doubles partners Jack Burns and Andrew Hovanec are a match made in Deerfield.
The two senior captains have played tennis with or against each other since their grammar school days at Holy Cross. They have often played at Tennaqua Swim and Racquet Club.
Although they’ve been paired together since their freshman season with the Ramblers, it wasn’t until this spring that the two made their mark on the Loyola program.
Entering the final week of the regular season, Burns and Hovanec had won 13 of their last 14 matches for a Loyola team that was 13-1 in duals and owned three first-place finishes at invitationals.
“The team has done a good job, and we are proud of all of the guys,” Burns said. “I think Andrew and I have done a good job of leading the team.”
Loyola coach Tom Fitzgerald said “it’s beautiful to see the leadership” from Burns and Hovanec, two players who worked their way up the program ladder.
“Most of our kids don’t have much varsity experience, so those guys have been important for us,” he said. “They grind it out and get it done. They set a good example.”
Thing is, Burns and Hovanec (13-3) are short on varsity experience, too. This is only the pair’s second season with Fitzgerald on varsity and first as key contributors in the lineup. The Catholic League tournament on Friday, May 15, will be the first for both players as varsity members.
“We didn’t deserve to play in it last year,” Burns said. “The two teams ahead of us were better, so I didn’t mind not playing. But this year is our chance.”
Hovanec said he’s excited for the opportunity to help Loyola defend its league title at home this weekend. Loyola has won 16 of the last 17 conference championships.
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“It’s very exciting,” Hovanec said. “Our goal is always to win the conference championship as a team. It’s expected here.”
One of the secrets to their success is how they complement one another on the court. Burns is intense, and Hovanec is calm. Burns has a strong forehand, and Hovanec wins points with his backhand. Both said they have power.
“Our styles mesh well,” Burns said.
Hovanec said the chemistry between the two is as much of an asset as any groundstroke.
“If one of us makes a mistakes, we are able to shake it off,” he said. “We don’t blame each other, but we do push each other to be better.”
The state series starts the week after the conference tournament, and Burns and Hovanec are candidates for the doubles lineup at the New Trier Sectional. Neither one played in the postseason last spring.
“We just want the opportunity,” Burns said. “We are looking to go out with a bang.”
Twitter: @harnesspreps