Mount Prospect, IL (October 21, 2010) - The doubles team of Kayla Mangiapane and Nicole Kowalczyk upset the team from Aurora West 6-3, 1-6, 7-5 earlier today to advance to the second round of the IHSA tennis state tournament at Prospect High School.
"No one gave them a chance to win this match," said head coach Sue Sprovieri, "but Kayla and Nicole played the game of their lives and came out winners!"
After winning the first set, the Reavis duo lost some momemtum in the second set, lost three deuce games, and dropped the second set 1-6. Sprovieri was afraid the girls were tightening up and playing not to lose. "I told them that although the score didn't indicate it, that the second set was close and they had to play the big points tougher in the final set."
That advice and the backing Mangiapane and Kowalczyk received from their teammates who attended the tournament, propelled them to the third set win. "With all our girls cheering after every point," said Sprovieri, "it was like we were playing at home."
Mangiapane and Kowalczyk's second round match is later today against Buffalo Grove High School.