Sandburg tennis player Laila Browne is back at No. 1 singles.
That’s the spot she was at during her sophomore season. But last year, Estela Loureiro moved from doubles to singles and took over that spot. Loureiro, however, is not playing high school tennis her junior year as she is on the national tournament circuit this fall to get college exposure.
That puts Browne back at No. 1 this season and she is up for the task.
“It’s cool being a senior to finish at the top of the lineup,” she said. “I’ve had a good experience with it so far.”
Browne has plenty of state experience.
In 2023, she qualified as a sophomore and went 1-2, and her sister, Neela Browne, qualified in doubles with Alexa Petcu and went 3-2. With Maia and Estela Loureiro finishing second in doubles, the Eagles tied Deerfield for third place — the best state finish in program history.
Last year, Browne played five matches at stateand advanced to the fourth round of consolation. Estala Loureiro made it to the consolation quarterfinals as the Eagles tied for 12th.
Sandburg coach Brian Ostrander said this year’s group is inexperienced, with the exception of Browne.
“She took some time off in the summer, but she’s back in the swing of things,” Ostander said of Browne. “She’s already played some great competition and played some tight matches and lost them. So, I’m kind of hoping that helps her a little bit. But she’s definitely the best player on our team and I hope to see her do well.”
McAuley stuns national power
Mother McAuley’s volleyball team won the Louisville Invitational Sept. 13 with a 25-19, 25-22 victory over Assumption, which was ranked fourth in the nation by the USA/American Volleyball Coaches Association.
In the five matches the Mighty Macs played in the tournament, they did not lose a set.
Cayla Prohaska led the Macs (15-0) with 32 kills and 45 digs. Lucy Maloney had 83 digs. Peyton Heatherly had 87 assists.
SXU blanked by Division III power
St. Xavier’s football team dropped its home opener Sept. 13, 37-0 to Wisconsin-Whitewater, which was ranked 22nd in the nation among NCAA Division III schools.
The Cougars (0-2) had 107 yards of offense with former Richards standout Marquel Porter picking up 44 on the ground on 10 carries.
SXU hosts Madonna (1-1) at 6 p.m. on Sept. 20 in a Midwest States Football Association crossover at Deaton Field.
The name game
On Sept. 5, Marist unveiled its new gym floor and former coaches Dan Garvey and Gene Nolan’s names were enshrined on the court. Also enshrined on the court is Paul Simmons, a senior who died during his senior year in 2011 due to an undiagnosed heart condition.
On Oct. 3, Nazareth will name its athletic field after Dennis Moran, who was a teacher, coach, dean, athletic director and president of the school. He is the current director of buildings and grounds.