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Morris sisters are a strong act at sectional
Lake Forest's Colleen Morris (left) and Megan Morris team up to take second place in doubles at the Warren Sectional. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: November 21, 2011 9:34AM
Lake Forest High School’s “Sister Act” did not have the chance to open off Broadway. The show went right to the big stage.
Senior Megan Morris and freshman Colleen Morris were paired together for just the second time this season — at the Warren Sectional Friday and Saturday. Lake Forest’s No. 2 doubles team responded by placing second, earning a trip to the IHSA state tournament.
Lake Forest qualified the maximum number of players for the state meet, cruising to a sectional title with 33 points. Warren (23) and Grayslake North (20) were second and third, respectively.
“We had a lot of movement in the lineup toward the end of the season,” said LF coach Denise Murphy. “It worked well to pair them in the No. 2 spot. It’s a unique opportunity to put a senior and freshman together who are sisters and have played so much tennis together. Each of them understands where to hit the ball and what position they will cover. I’m excited for them. They’re having a lot of fun.”
For much of the season, Megan Morris played at No. 2 singles. Colleen Morris rotates between No. 2 and No. 3 doubles.
“Megan made the adjustment mentally and moved forward with such a positive attitude,” Murphy said.
Lake Forest’s No. 1 doubles team — junior Taya Zoubareva and sophomore Victoria Falk — defeated the Morris sisters 6-4, 6-2 in the sectional championship match. Falk also was new to doubles this season; she spent most of the year at No. 2 singles.
“Victoria is a great singles player and she was able to use a lot of her weapons in doubles,” Murphy said. “She’s aggressive and likes to come to the net to attack. That’s a great quality to have.”
The sectional final can often be awkward when teammates play each other, but the level of tennis Saturday was quite high.
“I was really proud of the way they played,” Murphy said. “Both teams had some fun and laughed but the intensity was high.”
Singles party: Lake Forest sophomores Elizabeth Zordani and Catherine Orfanos also qualified for the state meet.
Despite the windy conditions, Zordani staged quite a championship match with Kelly Poggensee-Wei at No. 1 singles. Poggensee-Wei ended up posting a 7-5, 6-4 victory.
“That was very fun to watch,” Murphy said. “It was awesome to see two great players battle it out. They were each attacking and taking the ball so early to eliminate the time the wind had to affect the ball.”
Orfanos topped Warren freshman Alex Mella 6-3, 6-0 in the consolation finals.
On the schedule: Lake Forest takes plenty of momentum into its state-title defense.
The Scouts played significantly better at sectionals than they did at the North Suburban Conference league meet.
“Physically, they are in really good shape, and mentally they are confident,” Murphy said. “We’re definitely on an upswing; it’s exactly where I want them to be.”
