Sauk Valley College’s Grace Ferguson, Addison Arjes take undefeated records to regional tennis meet

Dixon High School graduates Addison Arjes and Grace Ferguson first started playing tennis together around third grade during the hometown Emma Hubbs Tennis Classic.

Their tennis journey has continued together over a decade later as sophomores for the Sauk Valley Community College women’s team.

The Skyhawks are looking to extend their season this weekend as the regional meet to qualify for the national tournament takes place Friday and Saturday at the Park Forest Tennis and Health Club.

Ferguson is undefeated at No. 1 singles, Arjes is undefeated at No. 2 singles, and the two are undefeated together at No. 1 doubles.

The duo reached the semifinals at last year’s NJCAA National Tournament.

Their chemistry and talent have made for a natural fit despite not being partners in high school. They still competed together in various offseason tournaments.

“I think it’s helped that we’ve always been friends, too, and we’ve always been in the same classes,” Arjes said. “That definitely helps build the relationship outside the court.

“Competitive-wise, like when we play singles versus each other, we see it as more of a learning experience and competition for each other than competing versus each other to win.”

Addison Arjes (Photo contributed by Sauk Valley College)

“I’ve always loved doubles, because it’s fun to play with your friends,” Ferguson said. “It’s been really fun playing with Addison, especially since I’ve known her for so long. We’ve been such good friends, so it’s been really fun.”

The team went 3-4 in dual meets during the regular season and hopes to qualify for nationals again this year. The top two teams will qualify this season. The national meet takes place in May.

Arjes said the communication between the two has helped them as a duo.

“And the fact that we pump each other up and keep each other going even when mistakes are made,” she said. “It’s been an amazing season. We’ve had some good competition that hopefully has gotten us ready for regionals and hopefully nationals.”

Ferguson said the two have good energy together along with their communication.

“I think we complement each other pretty well,” Ferguson said. “I’m more aggressive on the court, where Addison is more patient, so she kind of keeps the rally going where I kind of want to get the point faster.

“It’s definitely been amazing being undefeated so far.”

Ferguson qualified for state doubles as a freshman and sophomore at Dixon with Leah Kuehl before two years of state singles. She went 3-2 at state as a senior and reached the second day of the three-day tournament, which is not an easy feat in Illinois.

Arjes was a two-time singles qualifier for the Duchesses and went 2-2 as a senior.

They accounted for six points each, which helped Dixon tie for 22nd in the state in 1A.

Grace Ferguson (Photo contributed by Sauk Valley College)

The two have continued to improve over the past offseason, and the results have shown.

“I think both of our goals is definitely make it to nationals,” Ferguson said. “Just keeping things fun, having a good time and playing our best.”

Both are unsure if they will continue to play college tennis as they make the most of the season.

Arjes plans to transfer to a four-year university and major in elementary education. Ferguson also plans to attend a university. She is studying dietetics and nutrition.

SVCC coach Sara Kipping said the two have been resilient this season on the court.

“They’ve been down, they’ve come back, they’ve kept their cool,” Kipping said. “They stay in the game. It doesn’t matter what the score is, if they’re winning or losing. That is such a positive when you’re on the tennis court. You can’t just let one shot get in your way and think about it all the time.”

They played both outdoors and indoors during the season, but still did not take a loss. The regional meet this weekend will be indoors.

“I think they’re ready, they’ve worked hard, and I’m very, very proud of them and how well they’ve worked,” Kipping said. “And our whole team. We had a couple girls come on the team that have never played tennis before to help fill out the team, and they are improving every day.”

Dixon’s Alexis Kremmeren and Mendota’s Kylie Goldblatt also competed in singles and doubles for the Skyhawks this season. Prophetstown grads and tennis newcomers Gracelyn Abell and Chloe Slock helped round out the lineup.

“I’m very thankful and appreciative for all the girls I have and for such great sportsmanship,” Kipping said. “They all get along really well together, so it’s really nice to coach them.

“This is my 34th year coaching, and I love it,” she said. “I love being with the girls and their positive attitudes and them willing to come and practice every day. I’m very appreciative.”