
Week 5 Results
Rank | Name | Record | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Alan | 5-1 | Wins again! |
2 | Clark | 3-3 |
Cumulative Standings
Rank | Name | Total Record | Wins | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Alan | 26-5 | 3 | |
2 | Clark | 22-9 | 2 |
Rank | Name | Record | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Alan | 5-1 | Wins again! |
2 | Clark | 3-3 |
Rank | Name | Total Record | Wins | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Alan | 26-5 | 3 | |
2 | Clark | 22-9 | 2 |
Rank | Name | Record | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Brooks Look | 5-0 | Week 4 winner |
2 | Frank | 4-1 | Tie-Break** |
3 | Denise | 4-1 | Tie-Break* |
4 | Alan | 4-1 | Tie-Break |
5 | J | 3-2 | |
6 | Sara | 3-2 | |
7 | Lyman | 3-2 |
Rank | Name | Total Record | Wins | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Brooks Look | 21-4 | 2 | Week 2 & 5 winner |
2 | Denise | 18-7 | 0 | |
3 | Alan | 17-8 | 0 | |
4 | J | 16-4 | 2 | Week 1 & 4 winner |
4 | Sara | 14-6 | 1 | Week 3 winner |
7 | Lyman | 10-5 | 0 | |
6 | Frank | 4-1 | 0 | |
7 | Keith | 3-2 | 0 |
Rank | Name | Record | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1 | J | 5-0 | Week 4 winner |
2 | Lyman | 4-1 | Tie-Break** |
3 | Brooks Look | 4-1 | |
4 | Denise | 3-2 | |
5 | Alan | 3-2 | |
6 | Sara | 2-3 |
Rank | Name | Total Record | Wins | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Brooks Look | 16-4 | 1 | Week 2 winner |
2 | Denise | 14-6 | 0 | |
3 | Alan | 13-7 | 0 | |
4 | J | 13-2 | 2 | Week 1 & 4 winner |
5 | Sara | 11-4 | 1 | Week 3 winner |
6 | Lyman | 7-3 | 0 | |
7 | Keith | 3-2 | 0 |
Rank | Name | Record | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Clark | 6-0 | Prefect week - woo-woo! |
2 | Alan | 4-2 |
Rank | Name | Total Record | Wins | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Alan | 21-4 | 2 | |
2 | Clark | 19-6 | 2 |
URBANA - St. Joseph-Ogden senior Samy Kelso has become the anchor of the Spartans’ girls’ tennis team, showcasing a season defined by growth, resilience and mental toughness.
With a 5-3 record, Kelso has delivered some of the team’s most notable performances, including a Sept. 10 victory over Schlarman standout Reagan Troglia, 6-2, 6-1. Eight days later, she squared off with Pontiac’s state-qualifier Olivia Masching, battling hard in a 6-2, 6-1 loss that highlighted the high level of competition she continues to face. For Kelso, both matches were steppingstones in what has become one of her strongest campaigns yet.
Kelso added another notch to her winning record this week against Decatur St. Teresa, defeating Vinathi Marri in straight sets, 7-5, 7-6 (4). The victory wasn’t easy, as Marri forced Kelso into a tiebreaker in the second set, but the senior dug deep and held her composure to seal the win.
St. Joseph-Ogden head coach Kevin Martlage praised her ability to embrace the team’s mantra of “play it one point at a time” after Tuesday's marathon match at Atkins Tennis Center.
He said Kelso’s mental strength has allowed her to rally in tough moments, turning what might have been losses in past seasons into wins. “She has also honestly become an absolutely great tennis player that loves the sport and is driven by continuing to get better and better each day,” Martlage said.
While Kelso has drawn much of the spotlight, the Spartans have seen depth across their lineup. Lily Rice continues to solidify the No. 2 singles slot, topping Decatur’s Brooke Nelson 6-3, 6-4, with steady serves and quick returns. At No. 5, Avarie Dietiker delivered a steady performance, winning 6-1, 7-5, while Nora Buckley powered through a two-set win at No. 6, showing the importance of closing out long rallies.
Though losses came at the No. 3 and No. 4 singles spots, teammates Audrie Helfrich and Maddie Wells continue to gain valuable experience against strong competition. Martlage noted that both players have made strides in their confidence on the court, even in defeat.
SJO’s doubles squads made a clean sweep against Decatur, providing the perfect capstone to the 7-2 team win. The pairings of Ainsley Rhoten and Shelby Warns, Madison Farber and Kenley Ray, and Sophie Schmitz and Karleigh Spain all secured victories, with Schmitz and Spain closing out their match in dominating fashion, 6-1, 6-0.
Rhoten and Warns pulled away in the second set to finish 7-5, 6-2, while Farber and Ray battled through a tight tiebreaker to secure a 7-6 (4) victory in the second set. The effort reflected the Spartans’ team-first mentality, one that emphasizes spreading opportunities across the lineup and giving every player a chance to compete under pressure.
The team’s progress in the latter half of the season comes from strong chemistry, individual commitment, and off-season skill development by returning players. Martlage pointed out that from starters to alternates, veterans to neophytes, everyone works hard in practice to improve. Unlike a lot of high school teams, SJO doesn't rely on the strongest six players for every lineup.
"Every person on the team also works hard in practice and they continue to advance their ability to play a sport many of them never played before joining the team," said head coach Kevin Martlage. "I also feel that an 'X Factor' is our approach to playing 12 different players each and every match instead of doubling up the same 6 players between singles and doubles."
While it hasn’t always translated to a winning record, Martlage's goal is to build long-term success for his players to continue tennis year-round. "This has helped to prepare them for success while giving them important court time and confidence," he said.
St. Joseph-Ogden 7, Decatur St. Teresa 2
Singles
No. 1 – Samantha Kelso (SJO) def. Vinathi Marri (St. Teresa), 7-5, 7-6 (4)
No. 2 – Lily Rice (SJO) def. Brooke Nelson (St. Teresa), 6-3, 6-4
No. 3 – Nora Jerabek (St. Teresa) def. Audrie Helfrich (SJO), 6-1, 6-2
No. 4 – Xaniyah Todd (St. Teresa) def. Maddie Wells (SJO), 6-3, 6-3
No. 5 – Avarie Dietiker (SJO) def. Addison Johnson (St. Teresa), 6-1, 7-5
No. 6 – Nora Buckley (SJO) def. Audrey Cunningham (St. Teresa), 6-4, 6-1
Doubles
No. 1 – Ainsley Rhoten/Shelby Warns (SJO) def. Nelson/Jerabek (St. Teresa), 7-5, 6-2
No. 2 – Madison Farber/Kenley Ray (SJO) def. Todd/Cunningham (St. Teresa), 6-3, 7-6 (4)
No. 3 – Sophie Schmitz/Karleigh Spain (SJO) def. Johnson/Perry (St. Teresa), 6-1, 6-0
PONTIAC - The Unity Rockets girls golf team showed determination and grit at the Illini Prairie Conference Tournament on Tuesday at Wolf Creek Golf Course. Facing the league's toughest competition in their first conference meet appearance with 31 players ready to make their mark on the links, Unity finished sixth with a team score of 445.
Leading the Rockets was Claire Zorns, who carded a 99 to place 17th overall. Teammates Olivia Witheft and Olivia Styan each shot 113, with Haley Ennis (120), Ellery Merkle (122) and Addison Mohr (124) contributing to the team’s total. Each player gained valuable experience competing against some of the top golfers in the small school division.
While Monticello captured the team championship with a record-breaking 330 and junior Cate Sanders earned individual medalist honors with a 75, Unity’s focus remained on the progress of its own roster. St. Thomas More and Bloomington Central Catholic rounded out the top three teams, demonstrating the depth of the Illini Prairie Conference.
1. Monticello 330 2. Bloomington Central Catholic 333 3. St. Thomas More 376 4. Prairie Central 403 5. Pontiac 408 6. Unity 445 7. Rantoul 349
1. Cate Sanders, Monticello 75 2. Caroline Braucht, Central Catholic 76 3. Sydney Braucht, Central Catholic 82 3. Maddie Bradbury, Central Catholic 82 5. Rachel Ross, Monticello 84 6. Isabella Beery, Monticello 85 7. Taylor Wells, St. Thomas More 86 8. Claire Foster, Monticello 86 9. Jenika Biggs, St. Thomas More 90 10. Ella Farrell, Prairie Central 92
17. Claire Zorns 99 27. Olivia Witheft 113 28. Olivia Styan 113 32. Haley Ennis 120 33. Ellery Merkle 122 35. Addison Mohr 124
Rank | Name | Record | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Clark | 6-0 | Prefect week - woo-woo! |
2 | Alan | 4-2 |
Rank | Name | Total Record | Wins | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Alan | 21-4 | 2 | |
2 | Clark | 19-6 | 2 |
Rank | Name | Record | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1 | J | 5-0 | Week 4 winner |
2 | Lyman | 4-1 | Tie-Break** |
3 | Brooks Look | 4-1 | |
4 | Denise | 3-2 | |
5 | Alan | 3-2 | |
6 | Sara | 2-3 |
Rank | Name | Total Record | Wins | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Brooks Look | 16-4 | 1 | Week 2 winner |
2 | Denise | 14-6 | 0 | |
3 | Alan | 13-7 | 0 | |
4 | J | 13-2 | 2 | Week 1 & 4 winner |
4 | Sara | 11-4 | 1 | Week 3 winner |
7 | Lyman | 7-3 | 0 | |
6 | Keith | 3-2 | 0 |
PONTIAC – The Unity Rockets made their golf debut at the 2025 Illini Prairie Conference Golf Tournament on Monday at Wolf Creek Golf Course, navigating the par-72 layout for the first time in school history. Unity finished ninth as a team with a total of 383 strokes, 21 shots behind eighth-place Bloomington Central Catholic and 51 strokes behind champions Prairie Central, who captured the conference title with 332 strokes.
The top three teams were Prairie Central, St. Thomas More in second, and Monticello in third.
Individual honors went to Bloomington Central Catholic’s Vaughn Oakey, who fired an even-par 72. Monticello’s Max Henrard and Prairie Central’s Easton Friedman tied for second with 73, while St. Thomas More’s Wyatt Kirby carded 75 for fourth place.
Unity was led by Keely Carter, who finished 29th overall with a 90. Charlie Watson (96), Ashton Wolf (98), and Cole Zorns (99) also contributed, while Bryan Kleiss (109) and Adam Wolken (129) rounded out the roster. Despite the team’s ninth-place finish, the Rockets showed promise in their inaugural season and gained valuable experience competing against established conference programs.
1. Vaughn Oakey, Bloomington Central Catholic 72 2. Max Henrard, Monticello 73 2. Easton Friedman, Prairie Central 73 4. Wyatt Kirby, St. Thomas More 75 5. Cayden Masching, Pontiac 77 6. Tyler Clarkson, St. Thomas More 79 7. Kaleb Hendrix, Monticello 81 8. Keller Schrock, Illinois Valley Central 82 8. Tucker Stoller, Prairie Central 82 10. Spencer Stockwill, Rantoul 83
Keely Carter 90 Charlie Watson 96 Ashton Wolf 98 Cole Zorns 99 Bryan Kleiss 109 Adam Wolken 129 Team Total: 383 (9th place)
1. Prairie Central 2. St. Thomas More 3. Monticello 4. St. Joseph-Ogden 5. Rantoul 5. Pontiac 7. Illinois Valley Central 8. Bloomington Central Catholic 9. Unity
TOLONO - After six heart-breaking attempts, the Unity High School soccer team finally broke through Monday night, securing their first win of the season with a 4-1 home victory over Hoopeston.
The Rockets, who had struggled to find the back of the net all season, relied on a blend of veteran poise and youthful energy to finally get over the hump, improving to 1-4-2.
Unity struck first at the end of the opening half, with seasoned forward Caden McCaskill converting a precise pass into the goal. Hoopeston answered in the second half when Beckett Moran found the net, briefly tying the match at 1-1. But the Rockets refused to let momentum slip away. McCaskill, feeding off another well-placed setup from teammates, scored again to put Unity ahead 2-1, then completed his first hat trick of the season for a 3-1 lead. Logan Wells added the finishing touch late in the game, pushing the final tally to 4-1.
Goalkeeper Carter Cromwell was a key factor in the win, turning away 14 Hoopeston shots and keeping the Rockets in control throughout.
Next up, Unity heads into conference play, beginning with a Thursday matchup against undefeated St. Joseph-Ogden (16-0) at Dick Duval Field. Following that, the Rockets travel to Rantoul (4-7, IPC 0-1) and conclude the week at home against Illinois Valley Central (7-6-2, IPC 0-2).
Rank | Name | Record | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Clark | 4-1 | Winner via tie-breaker |
2 | Alan | 4-1 |
Rank | Name | Total Record | Wins | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Alan | 17-2 | 2 | Two-week streak broken |
2 | Clark | 13-6 | 1 |
Rank | Name | Record | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Sara | 4-1 | Week 3 winner ** Tie-Break |
2 | Alan | 4-1 | |
2 | Denise | 4-1 | |
3 | Brooks Look | 3-2 | |
3 | Lyman | 3-2 | |
3 | Keith | 3-2 | |
3 | J | 3-2 |
Rank | Name | Total Record | Wins | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Brooks Look | 12-3 | 1 | Week 2 winner |
2 | Denise | 11-4 | 0 | |
3 | Alan | 10-5 | 0 | |
4 | Sara | 9-1 | 1 | Week 3 winner |
5 | J | 8-2 | 1 | Week 1 winner |
6 | Keith | 3-2 | 0 | |
7 | Lyman | 3-2 | 0 |
Rank | Name | Record | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Clark | 4-1 | Winner via tie-breaker |
2 | Alan | 4-1 |
Rank | Name | Total Record | Wins | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Alan | 17-2 | 2 | Two-week streak broken |
2 | Clark | 13-6 | 1 |
FARMER CITY - The moment was years in the making, and St. Joseph-Ogden made sure to rise to it. For the first time in program history, when the Spartans stepped onto the field this week, they did so as the No. 1 ranked team in Illinois Class 1A boys soccer. Highly deserving of the recognition, SJO's domination on the pitch continued with a win over Blue Ridge yesterday.
Behind four goals from junior Zach Harper and a hat trick from Hunter Cler, SJO powered past Knights 9-0 on the road, stretching their unbeaten season to 12-0 and keeping their storybook run alive.
Harper got down to business early, connecting twice in the first half on pinpoint feeds from midfielder Tyler Hess, who finished with four assists. Harper also turned provider, setting up goals for Cler and freshman Ainsley Freeman, who celebrated her first varsity score.
Cler went on to complete his hat trick, while the Spartans also benefited from a Hoopeston own goal. By the final horn, SJO’s relentless attack had overwhelmed the Knights, keeping their defensive dominance intact with a 10th shutout of the year.
"Steven Newman & Waylon Jones (Batman & Robin) are the dynamic duo on the back line," head coach Chris Stevens said. "Yadi Acosta holds down the middle and Lucas Stevens is up top looking to score or assist his teammates."
Jones and Newman are juniors, which means SJO's soccer program will simply reload in 2026.
The Spartans have now outscored opponents 82-6 this season, their No. 1 state ranking underscoring a rapid rise built on depth and determination. SJO also holds the No. 479 spot nationally, ranked ahead of Chicago Academy and Coal City in Illinois 1A. Since the start of 2022, the program has won 51 matches against just 11 losses, a turnaround that has placed the school the map, mirroring the school's storied football program.
Stevens said three attributes define this year’s roster: discipline, determination, and unselfishness. "They have set big team goals for postseason and want to see them through," he said. "[Every] player, seniors through freshman, want everyone to succeed. This is a cohesive group of players and it’s a privilege to be a part of this journey with them."
Now, the focus shifts to Illini Prairie Conference play. The Spartans host Monticello (4-7-1) today before a quick two-game road swing to Olympia on Wednesday and Bloomington Central Catholic on Thursday. After a short rest, they’ll return home to face Illinois Valley Central Saturday morning — all with their new No. 1 target on their backs.
ST. JOSEPH - St. Joseph-Ogden bounced back in commanding fashion Monday night, defeating Hoopeston Area in straight sets in front of a supportive home crowd. Just days removed from a 2-0 loss to Oakwood, the Spartans regrouped and rolled to a 25-15, 25-10 sweep, ending the Cornjerkers’ hopes early and extending Hoopeston’s losing streak to eight matches.
Outside hitter Emerson Williams powered the offense with six kills across the two-set match. Addi Childers chipped in four kills, while Hadley McDonald and Ally Schmitz added three apiece. On defense, Emma McKinney anchored the back row with six digs, and senior libero Katie Ericksen followed with five. McDonald rounded out her solid night by contributing four more digs.
The Spartans also found momentum at the service line. Ava Alexander was unstoppable, landing four aces in her seven serves. McDonald backed her up with four aces of her own in 13 attempts, giving SJO a decisive edge in both sets.
With the victory, the Spartans improve to 4-8 overall and look ahead to a road trip tonight to face St. Teresa in Decatur. The Bulldogs (2-9), who opened the season with seven straight losses, are seeking to gain traction. SJO then returns home Wednesday to host the Danville Vikings. Hoopeston falls to 1-9 with the loss.
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