Badminton

CARLYLE – The St. Charles North and Marmion bass fishing teams found themselves near the back of a crowded field after the state tournament opened Friday at downstate Carlyle Lake.

Doug Ross’ coaching career unfurled well before he strung nets across Geneva badminton poles for the first time in two decades.

BURLINGTON – The Burlington Central baseball team harnessed a solid offensive approach in the late innings of Monday’s nonconference game against rival Hampshire.

BATAVIA – St. Charles North boys tennis coach Sean Masoncup isn’t shy about identifying the North Stars’ identity.

MAPLE PARK – Brittany Olson wanted to prove something Tuesday.

A strong showing in singles has the Batavia boys tennis team off to a 6-3 start.

MAPLE PARK – The Kaneland baseball team stole five bases in the first two innings Thursday on its way to a 17-0, five-inning victory against Rochelle to sweep a Northern Illinois Big 12 East series. Eight Knights drove in runs during a 10-run second inning in which 14 Kaneland players stepped to the plate.

ELGIN – Defending Upstate Eight Conference River Division badminton champion Geneva touted its top characteristic again during Wednesday’s league victory at Larkin.

ROCHELLE – Kaneland junior pitcher John Hopkins allowed one hit and one walk in the Knights’ 1-0 victory against Northern Illinois Big 12 East rival Rochelle on Tuesday.

ST. CHARLES – St. Charles East softball coach Kelly Horan wondered whether her team could maintain consistent intensity before Thursday’s Upstate Eight Conference game against struggling East Aurora.

LOMBARD – Defeating archrival Montini on Wednesday only started the St. Francis boys volleyball team’s time together.

ROSELLE – The St. Charles North softball team rallied for five runs in the seventh inning of Tuesday’s Upstate Eight Conference crossover at Lake Park, seemingly breaking things open.

WHEATON – The St. Charles East softball team had to sweat out a rally from host Wheaton Warrenville South before breaking through for its own winning charge Thursday.

JACKSONVILLE – Geneva junior right-hander Andy Honiotes might have been susceptible to some livelier hops and bounces as he pitched on an astroturf field on Friday.

ST. CHARLES – The visiting St. Charles North girls water polo team surged past crosstown rival St. Charles East, 14-2, on Thursday behind a balanced overall effort.