Palermo, Allen just getting started for Glenbard East

You can't blame the gambler in Glenbard East girls tennis coach Bill Burt for smiling because he's been dealt a pair of aces.

Sophomore Priscilla Palermo, who qualified for state in her first year, and freshman Kolie Allen, are two highly ranked players who were undefeated through last weekend. They're regarded as two of the best players in Illinois.

"Priscilla and Kolie are the strongest players who have come through the doors here since I've been here, especially at their age," said Burt, in his 30th year as the Rams' coach. "We've had others develop over the years, but none with the experience, poise and talent they have had as freshmen."

Last weekend both Palermo and Allen went 3-0 at the Glenbard East Classic in order to keep their records perfect. Allen is 13-0 and Palermo is 9-0 having missed a weekend invite in order to participate in a USTA event.

Burt has put together a tougher schedule this year in order to showcase the two girls, "for people making decisions for seeding at sectional and state.

"When you have players who have worked this hard on their games," Burt said, "you want to make sure they're getting challenges that will show people what kind of players they are.

"Neither Priscilla or Kolie are ever satisfied, they're focused on improving. And that's very refreshing," Burt said. "And both girls are honor students. Their families place a top priority on education, while they understand competition and know they have to work year-round in order to keep getting better."

According to the coach, Palermo is hitting with more pace on the ball than she did a year ago.

"She's hitting a heavier ball and she wasn't too shabby last year," Burt said. "She's also serving stronger this year."

Allen is a confident, experienced player, which is rare for a freshman.

"She doesn't look like a freshman," Burt said. "She has no self-doubt and an aggressive approach to the game."

The champ:

Tiffany Chen of Naperville Central is the reigning Illinois singles champion after running the table at the state meet in 2013.

The good news is that she looks even better this year as a junior.

"Tiffany's always been tenacious about keeping the ball in play," said Redhawks coach Don Bonet. "This year she's playing with more power and she's added quality to all aspects of her game."

Bonet said that Chen just looks like a winner on the court.

"She's confident but not cocky," he said. "She goes out there with a certain aura. People know who she is. And she's a nice kid and respectful of her opponents. Other players recognize this."

Because her teammates do not hit at her level of excellence, Chen takes early dismissal from school and works out in the afternoon with a club pro before coming to practice with her high school team.

Last weekend Chen, who is 11-0 on the season, won the first-singles championship at the St. Charles East Invite.

Ready for a challenge:

Susanna Rantanen has to be mentally tough for her job as a member of the Waubonsie Valley girls tennis team.

An excellent player who wins a majority of her matches, Rantanen, a senior who plays first singles for the Warriors, has to face some of the top players in the state.

This year she has lost twice to defending state champion Tiffany Chen and once to state runner-up Isabella Lorenzini of Hinsdale Central.

"Even though she loses decisively to players at that level," said Waubonsie Valley coach Phil Galow, "she still hits well and plays her game, and she doesn't get discouraged. Then she turns around and wins most of her other matches on our schedule."

"I know when I face the top players in the state that they're above me," Rantanen said. "But I try to play my best and not let down when I lose to the top players. And stay confident so I can win my other matches."

Rantanen's goal is to qualify for state this year.

One problem the Warrior singles player has is that she's often a slow starter in matches.

"As the match goes on I get more confident and more aggressive," Rantanen said.

"Susanna hits hard, she's athletic and she plays smart," said Galow. "And she has that great attitude and mental approach to the game. It would be great if her toughness and work ethic would rub off on some of her teammates."

The coach believes that Rantanen can get closer and even beat some of the top players if she can cut down on her unforced errors, improve her net game, and perhaps serve a little more aggressively.

"We're hoping these tough matches will help make her stronger by the time the sectional rolls around," Galow said. "She's taking care of the opponents in her other matches."