Girls Tennis: Highland keeps winning while testing lineups

Updated: April 7, 2012 9:11PM

WEST LAFAYETTE — Highland coach Adam Baez has used three different No. 1 doubles teams in as many matches this season.

So far, no complaints.

No. 11 Highland picked up a pair of wins on Saturday, defeating Lafayette Jeff, 5-0; and West Lafayette, 4-1.

“We always kind of pride ourselves on playing doubles,” Baez said. “I’m really pleased with the pairings of our doubles, but I’ve not learned much because all of my No. 1 doubles teams have been pretty successful and they’ve all won so far.”

Aby Madrigal returns after winning the state doubles championship last year with Elizabeth Quinn, who graduated. Madrigal teamed with her sister Vanessa to post a win at No. 1 doubles against Merrillville in the season-opener.

Vanessa Madrigal was paired with Eleni Sacketos at No. 1 doubles against Lafayette Jeff and they earned a 6-0, 7-5 win. Meredith Garcia and Nikki Goodeve teamed for an easy 6-0, 6-1 win at the top doubles position against West Lafayette.

“If you’re not connected mentally and physically with your partner then you’re not going to do well on the court,” said Garcia, who has known Goodeve since the two were 4 years old.

Highland will likely use many different lineups this season, as Baez gauges the best matchups for each opponent. Baez is also keeping a potential regional tilt with Munster in the back of his mind and he’s not alone.

Garcia didn’t hesitate to mention “beat Munster” as one of her biggest goals of the season, while Goodeve quickly knew the teams will meet on April 19.

First, is a tough matchup with No. 19 Chesterton on Tuesday, making for a challenging upcoming stretch.

“It’s exciting to see what we’re really made up of when we play these really good teams,” said Goodeve.

Aby Madrigal picked up two singles wins, dropping just one game on the day. Lan Franczek won both of her matches at No. 3 singles, while Vanessa Madrigal picked up an easy 6-0, 6-0 win over West Lafayette at No. 1 singles.

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