Shin, Clampitt notch wins at Centennial tennis invitational

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden's Lilly Rice stretches to return a volley during the Spartans' tennis match against Urbana on September 3. Rice, along with partner MaKennah Hamilton, went 1-2 in the doubles division competition at the annual Charger Invite in August.

CHAMPAIGN - Central's Estell Shin and St. Joseph-Ogden's Madison Clampitt won one match and lost two to lead the area's girls at last month's Charger Invite.

In her first match, Shin defeated Urbana's Lillian Hall, 6-2, 6-1. She then lost her next two matches, falling to O'Fallon's Natalie Spihlman, 6-0, 6-0, and Conant's Elyssa Rojas Kantcheva by the same score.

Clampitt lost her tournament opener to Warrenville South's Anna Ittersagen, 6-0, 6-0. Recovering from the loss, she earned a convincing win over Central's Mary Kim, 6-2, 6-3.

In her final match of the day, Clampitt took the first set off Danville's Samantha Brown, 6-3. Brown won the second set without dropping a game, 6-0, forcing a third-set tie-break. Clampitt battled for every point but came up short in the breaker, 10-4.

SINGLES RESULTS:

Raina Maranan, Hoffman Estates (Conant) def. Ria Modi, Champaign (Centennial), 6-0 , 6-0

Nia Harris, Belleville (West) def. Ria Modi, Champaign (Centennial), 6-4 , 6-2

Lily Stortzum, Teutopolis def. Amani Brown, Urbana, 6-0 , 6-0

AnnMarie Wojcik, Darien (Hinsdale South) def. Amani Brown, Urbana, 7-5 , 7-5

Anna Greene, Effingham (St. Anthony) def. Samantha Kelso, St. Joseph-Ogden, 6-1 , 6-3

Chloe Goins, Darien (Hinsdale South) def. Samantha Kelso, St. Joseph-Ogden, 6-0 , 6-0

Elyssa Rojas Kantcheva, Hoffman Estates (Conant) def. Estelle Shin, Champaign (Central), 6-0 , 6-0

Natalie Spihlman, O'Fallon def. Estelle Shin, Champaign (Central), 6-0 , 6-0

Estelle Shin, Champaign (Central) def. Lillian Hall, Urbana, 6-2, 6-1

Anna Houpt, Danville def. Lillian Hall, Urbana, 6-0, 6-0

Taylor Jones, Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East) def. Taylor Diep, Champaign (Centennial), 6-0, 6-0

Brooke Ittersagen, Wheaton (W. Warrenville South) def. Taylor Diep, Champaign (Centennial), 6-0, 6-0

Ivy Daiber, Effingham (St. Anthony) def. Mary Kim, Champaign (Central), 6-0, 6-0

Madison Clampitt, St. Joseph-Ogden def. Mary Kim, Champaign (Central), 6-2, 6-3

Samantha Brown, Danville def. Madison Clampitt, St. Joseph-Ogden 3-6, 6-0 , 10-4

Anna Ittersagen, Wheaton (W. Warrenville South) def. Madison Clampitt, St. Joseph-Ogden, 6-0, 6-0

DOUBLES RESULTS:

Reese Lepsi, Wheaton (W. Warrenville South) - Riley Lepsi, Wheaton (W. Warrenville South) def. Anna Williams, Champaign (Centennial) - Rachel Hartmann, Champaign (Centennial), 6-0, 6-0

Melaina Humbles, Dunlap - Maya Baman, Dunlap def. Rylin Zumwalt, Champaign (Centennial) - Krisha Patel, Champaign (Centennial), 6-0, 6-0

Hailey Goins, Darien (Hinsdale South) - Teodora Savic, Darien (Hinsdale South) def. Ananyah Tangmunarunkit, Urbana - Elianna Lee, Urbana, 6-0, 6-0

Thea Krachmarov, Hoffman Estates (Conant) - Noelle Koh, Hoffman Estates (Conant) def. Sara Kearney, St. Joseph (S.J.-Ogden) - Olivia Getty, St. Joseph-Ogden, 6-0, 6-0

Annie Rogers, Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East) - Noelani Hill, Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East) def. Lily Kant, Champaign (Central) - Sophia Kalantzis-Cope, Champaign (Central), 6-2, 6-2

Kara Charney, Champaign (Central) - Fiona Leakey, Champaign (Central) def. Maya Towne, Danville - Lexi Foley, Danville, 6-2, 6-0

Ella Wermert, Teutopolis - Allie Ruholl, Teutopolis def. Gwen McLean, Urbana - Citlali Cotes-Alvarez, Urbana, 6-0, 6-0

Mia Kinkelaar, Effingham (St. Anthony) - Ellie Link, Effingham (St. Anthony) def. MaKennah Hamilton, St. Joseph-Ogden - Lily Rice, St. Joseph-Ogden, 6-1, 6-2

Annabelle Brunner, Belleville (West) - Abby Treadway, Belleville (West) def. Kara Charney, Champaign (Central) - Fiona Leakey, Champaign (Central), 7-6 (0), 6-2

Khloe Phillips-Dancer, Belleville (East) - Randi Bleich, Belleville (East) def. Anna Williams, Champaign (Centennial) - Rachel Hartmann, Champaign (Centennial), 6-0, 6-2

Anna Bath, Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East) - Melody Graham, Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East) def. Ananyah Tangmunarunkit, Urbana - Elianna Lee, Urbana, 6-0, 6-0

MaKennah Hamilton, St. Joseph-Ogden - Lily Rice, St. Joseph-Ogden def. Marisa Clark, Watseka - Skyla Buwalda, Watseka, 6-2, 6-3

Kara Charney, Champaign (Central) - Fiona Leakey, Champaign (Central) def. Anna Bath, Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East) - Melody Graham, Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East), 6-4, 6-1

Morgan Bridgeman, O'Fallon - Loren Hoefle, O'Fallon def. MaKennah Hamilton, St. Joseph-Ogden - Lily Rice, St. Joseph-Ogden, 6-1, 6-1

Mia Kinkelaar, Effingham (St. Anthony) - Ellie Link, Effingham (St. Anthony) def. Kara Charney, Champaign (Central) - Fiona Leakey, Champaign (Central), 6-1, 4-6, 10-4

Lily Kant, Champaign (Central) - Sophia Kalantzis-Cope, Champaign (Central) def. Sarah Parsons, Watseka - Kiaria Wright, Watseka, 6-3, 6-1

Blair Bisso, Belleville (East) - Kimberly Irwin, Belleville (East) def. Gwen McLean, Urbana - Citlali Cotes-Alvarez, Urbana, 6-0, 6-2

Morgan Seagle, Belleville (West) - Gabrielle Patterson, Belleville (West) def. Sara Kearney, St. Joseph (S.J.-Ogden) - Olivia Getty, St. Joseph-Ogden, 6-1, 6-0

Aliya Morgan, Danville - Olivia Scaggs, Danville def. Rylin Zumwalt, Champaign (Centennial) - Krisha Patel, Champaign (Centennial), 6-0, 6-0

Riley Pitts, O'Fallon - Claire Riepe, O'Fallon def. Lily Kant, Champaign (Central) - Sophia Kalantzis-Cope, Champaign (Central), 6-2, 6-2

SJO girls tennis sweeps doubles to complete 5-4 comeback at Centennial

In a thrilling Senior Night, SJO girls tennis rallied from a 4-2 singles deficit to beat Centennial 5-4. Standout doubles performances clinched the win.

CHAMPAIGN - The St. Joseph-Ogden girls tennis team delivered one of its most memorable performances of the season last Thursday, edging Champaign Centennial 5-4 in a dramatic dual meet on the Chargers’ Senior Night.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brook

SJO's Ainsley Rhoten attacks a short ball during her doubles match against Urbana, Rhoten and partner Shelby Warns, won their #1 doubles match at Centennial, upsetting Ria Modi and Taylor Diep. The Spartan pair also won their previous #1 doubles match against Watseka juniors Rose Koester and Elika Hardisty on September 30.

Fueled by clutch singles play from veterans Samantha Kelso and Lily Rice and a clean sweep through doubles, the Spartans (now 8-3 overall) earned a program-defining road victory heading into the final week of the regular season.

Kelso (8-3), who’s playing the best tennis of her prep career, set the tone early with a straight-sets win over Centennial’s top player, Ria Modi, 6-4, 6-4, at No. 1 singles. The senior extended her win streak to four, following victories over St. Teresa, Watseka and Urbana.

Rice (9-1) responded with poise and determination at No. 2 singles, bouncing back from a tough September 29 loss to Urbana’s Ananyah Tangmunarunkit. The senior battled through three sets to outlast Taylor Diep 6-2, 3-6, 10-6, earning her second consecutive win.

Centennial briefly took control of the match after claiming the remaining singles courts, with strong showings from Krishna Patel, Asma Cheema, Romi Sagiv and Veronica Hooper against Spartan competitors Audrie Helfrich, Avarie Dietiker, Maddie Wells and Ava Midkiff. The Chargers’ surge gave them a 4-2 lead heading into doubles play.

With their backs to the wall, the Spartans’ doubles lineup came through in dominant fashion.

At No. 1 doubles, Ainsley Rhoten and Shelby Warns took down Modi and Diep in a tense 8-7 (2) tiebreaker, while the No. 2 pairing of Madison Farber and Kenley Ray rolled to an 8-2 win over Patel and Ellie Marinichev. The clinching point came from the No. 3 team of senior Karleigh Spain and junior Sophie Schmitz, who defeated Believe Mondika and Shaniece Clayborn 8-6. The duo improved their combined varsity records to 8-3.

St. Joseph-Ogden continues a strong late-season surge with two regular-season matches remaining, hosting Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley on Thursday at Atkins Tennis Center and closing at Maroa-Forsyth next Monday before postseason play begins.

Match Results

Singles
No. 1 — Samantha Kelso (SJO) def. Ria Modi (CENT), 6-4, 6-4
No. 2 — Lily Rice (SJO) def. Taylor Diep (CENT), 6-2, 3-6, 10-6
No. 3 — Krisha Patel (CENT) def. Audrie Helfrich (SJO), 6-3, 6-2
No. 4 — Asma Cheema (CENT) def. Avarie Dietiker (SJO), 6-3, 6-0
No. 5 — Romi Sagiv (CENT) def. Maddie Wells (SJO), 6-1, 7-6 (2)
No. 6 — Veronica Hooper (CENT) def. Ava Midkiff (SJO), 6-4, 6-3

Doubles
No. 1 — Ainsley Rhoten/Shelby Warns (SJO)
def. Ria Modi/Taylor Diep (CENT), 8-7 (2)

No. 2 — Madison Farber/Kenley Ray (SJO)
def. Krisha Patel/Ellie Marinichev (CENT), 8-2

No. 3 — Karleigh Spain/Sophie Schmitz (SJO)
def. Believe Mondika/Shaniece Clayborn (CENT), 8-6

TAGS: St. Joseph-Ogden girls tennis 2025, SJO vs Champaign Centennial match recap, Samantha Kelso tennis highlights, Lily Rice comeback win, high school doubles tennis strategies, Karleigh Spain varsity performance, Sophie Schmitz junior tennis standout, Illinois high school tennis results, Senior Night tennis victories, SJO Spartans late-season surge

SJO tennis program overflowing with players and positive energy

St. Joseph-Ogden head coach Kevin Martlage talks to players during their first day of practice for the 2023-24 season. The Spartans' ranks have swollen to 29 players as the program enters its fourth competitive season.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

URBANA - On Monday this, the St. Joseph-Ogden girls' tennis team took up three courts at Atkins Tennis Center for their first official practice of the 2023-24 season. The program continues to grow in popularity as a fall sport. SJO welcomes 11 newcomers to the sport, filling their roster of 29 to the brim.

"We have 18 returning players this year. A lot of them took lessons over the summer and during the off-season," said head coach Kevin Martlage, who is entering his fourth season. "I'm looking forward to getting out there and seeing what we are capable of doing."

This year's squad has eight seniors. Led by three-year veteran Lauren Lannert, the class of 2024 includes Maya Chahine, Grace Getty, Brianna Grant, Addison Ross, Addison Seggebruch, Emma Thurman, and Ellie Ward. Chahine and Ward are first-year players, while the rest of the class has seen two years of action for the Spartans.

Addison Saggebruch returns to the SJO tennis program

Senior Addison Saggebruch concentrates on a ball drill during opening day practice at Atkins Tennis Center on Monday. Last year's sectional qualifier hopes make another run toward competing at the IHSA state tournament in October. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

The juniors represent the largest contingent of players, with ten student-athletes. Audrey Benoit, Sara Kearney, Audra Marshke, Haley Rudolph, and Alexis Wirth enter their first tennis season under Martlage. The other five players returning for their second season include Madison Clampitt, Ella Dietiker, Olivia Getty, Makennah Hamilton, and Sonia Patel.

Martlage, overflowing with enthusiasm and an abundance of positive energy, is looking forward to the upcoming season.

"I'm really excited about the team," he said on Monday while his players jogged laps around three courts at Atkin's Tennis Center for their warmup. "I just want to go out there and teach these girls the game of tennis and also be very competitive in the tough division we are in here in central Illinois."

The Spartans have five home matches, the first on tap on August 17 at Atkins against Maroa-Forsyth. Then there are nine road matches lined up to played around central Illinois. Fans unable to catch a home match can watch the team play against local opponents on August 19 at the Charger Invitational (Atkins/Blair Park), on August 29 against Urbana, and on October 12 against Mahomet-Seymour (Illini Grove Tennis Courts).

Martlage said he enjoys coaching the girls' team because of the abundance of raw enthusiasm from the players while watching their appreciation and skill in the sport mature.

"This was never a sport [at SJO] before Covid," he explained. He recounted how a few students approached him to start the program during the pandemic. "Ten girls were like, 'Hey, want to play tennis because the IHSA says you can play tennis and nothing else.'"

Now, starting the program's fourth season, participation in the newest sport at St. Joseph-Ogden has tripled.

"The thing I like the most is the girls have the opportunity to learn a sport they probably would have never had the opportunity to learn, represent their school, and each other."

Top left: Lily Rice and teammate Makennah Hamilton watch teamate execute a drill while waiting for their turn. The duo were sectional qualifiers last fall and look to make a repeat appearance in a bid to advance to the state tournament. Center: Addi Ross uses her racquet to bounce the ball during a team drill. Top right: Ella Dietiker focuses on bouncing the ball on the racquet during a team warm-up drill. Below: Totally in the zone, Caroline Aiden puts the ball back over the net with a backhand shot during the team's 3-on-3 hitting drill on Monday.

Photos: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden's top returning players include Saggebruch and sophomore Lily Rice, who won their opening match at sectionals in the previous season. Double partners and sectional qualifiers Ross and Hamilton also return to this year's lineup.

Martlage is excited to see his top four players grow this season.

"They will be coming back strong," he said. "There are a handful of others I'm excited about. There are even some players today I haven't seen since last season, and I am pretty impressed with. I asked if they had been taking lessons, and they said, 'Yes, Coach!'"

The underclass has seven sophomores returning from 2022. Caroline Aden, Abby Getty, Claire Hartman, Samantha Kelso, Grace Preston, Ainsley Rhoton, and Lily Rice look to build on their success last season and help guide new classmates Sophia Vliet and Shelby Campbell, who join the team for their first season.

The roster is complete with three freshman, which includes Madison Farber, Audri Helfrich, and Isabella Santiago, who joined the team this year.

Maddie Wells finishes third at The Munch, Rice goes 1-1

Spartan Maddie Wells works on a apply a head-lever on an Urbana grappler during a JV match on December 2. A week later, the sophomore finished in third place at The Munch Pontiac Invitational wrestling tournament.

PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

PONTIAC - St. Joseph-Ogden wrestler Maddie Wells brought home a bronze medal for her efforts at 'The Munch' Pontiac Invitational on Saturday. Wrestling at 130-pounds, Wells finished the two-day event with three wins and one loss in 17-woman bracket.

SJO sophomore Lily Rice went 1-and-1, winning and losing by pin in the 125-pound weight class.

Of the six matches wrestled by SJO girls, only one went the distance requiring a decision.

Box Score

125 - RICE, LILY (St. Joseph-Ogden) def. Rodriguez, Itzel (UNAT) Fall 0:31
125 - Vargan, Victoria (morton) def. RICE, LILY (St. Joseph-Ogden) Fall 1:16
130 - WELLS, MADDIE (St. Joseph-Ogden) def. Carbajal (UNAT) Fall 2:28
130 - WELLS, MADDIE (St. Joseph-Ogden) def. DeWitt, Hailey (Jacksonville) - Fall 3:51
130 - Linhorst (Edwardsville) def. WELLS, MADDIE (St. Joseph-Ogden)- Decision 0-0
130 - WELLS, MADDIE (St. Joseph-Ogden) def. Cailteux, K (Minooka) - Fall 1:44

St. Joseph-Ogden tennis rolls past St. Teresa in season opener

Spartans take five of six singles matches in road victory. Veterans Rice, Farber, and Helfrich start the season with stellar performances.

DECATUR — The St. Joseph-Ogden girls tennis team opened its season with a convincing 7-2 win on the road at St. Teresa, showing balance across the lineup in both singles and doubles play.

SJO SPORTS The Spartans secured five of six singles matches to set the tone early. Lily Rice, Madison Farber, Ainsley Rhoten, Avarie Dietiker and Audrie Helfrich all collected victories, with Helfrich cruising to an 8-0 sweep at No. 6 singles.

St. Joseph-Ogden added two more wins in doubles competition. The pairing of Kenley Ray and Karleigh Spain battled to an 8-6 victory at the No. 2 position, while Sophia Schmitz and Shelby Warnes delivered an 8-3 win at No. 3 doubles.

St. Teresa earned its two points at the top of the lineup. Vinathi Marri defeated Samantha Kelso 8-4 at No. 1 singles, while Brooke Nelson and Nora Jerabek combined to take an 8-2 win over Ava Midkiff and Maddie Wells at No. 1 doubles.

With the early road test behind them, the Spartans demonstrated the depth of their roster and strong season potential.

Match Results

Team Score: St. Joseph-Ogden 7 - St. Teresa 2

Singles
No. 1 — Vinathi Marri (St. Teresa) def. Samantha Kelso (SJO) 8-4
No. 2 — Lily Rice (SJO) def. Brooke Nelson (St. Teresa) 8-1
No. 3 — Madison Farber (SJO) def. Nora Jerabek (St. Teresa) 8-4
No. 4 — Ainsley Rhoten (SJO) def. Xaniyah Todd (St. Teresa) 8-2
No. 5 — Avarie Dietiker (SJO) def. Addison Johnson (St. Teresa) 8-4
No. 6 — Audrie Helfrich (SJO) def. Audrey Cunningham (St. Teresa) 8-0

Doubles
No. 1 — Brooke Nelson / Nora Jerabek (St. Teresa) def. Ava Midkiff / Maddie Wells (SJO) 8-2
No. 2 — Kenley Ray / Karleigh Spain (SJO) def. Xaniyah Todd / Audrey Cunningham (St. Teresa) 8-6
No. 3 — Sophia Schmitz / Shelby Warnes (SJO) def. Addison Johnson / Tiarra Perry (St. Teresa) 8-3

St. Joseph-Ogden girls tennis 2025 season opener, SJO vs St. Teresa tennis results, Illinois high school girls tennis scores, Spartans tennis Decatur road win, St. Joseph-Ogden high school sports news

Prep Sports Notebook: SJO, Unity soccer programs suffer losses

Rice picks win for Spartan tennis program

Watseka -- St. Joseph-Ogden's Lily Rice defeated Watseka's Annika Greene in tie-break 8-7 (6) on Tuesday. Spartan doubles duo Halie Harms and Emma Thurman cruised to a 8-4 victory in the team's road match over Warriors' Annika Greene and Marisa Clark at #3 doubles. SJO lost the dual match, 7-2.

Box Score:

Singles:
No. 1 - Emma Simons, Watseka def. Abbey Dow, SJO, 8-5
No. 2 - Ava Swartz, Watseka def. Katie McDermott, SJO, 8-1
No. 3 - Baler Rigsby, Watseka def. Addison Seggebruch, SJO, 8-5
No. 4 - Moriah Pueschell, Watseka def. Lauren Lannert, SJO, 8-0
No. 5 - Sarah Parsons, Watseka def. Izzy Sexton, SJO, 8-0
No. 6 - Lily Rice, SJO def. Annika Greene, Watseka, 8-7 (6)

Doubles:
No. 1 - Emma Simons/Baler Rigsby, Watseka def. Addison Ross/McKennah Hamilton, SJO, 8-1
No. 2 - Moriah Pueschell/Sarah Parsons, Watseka def. Jessica Gadbury/Madison Clampitt, SJO, 8-4
No. 3 - Halie Harms/Emma Thurman, SJO def. Annika Greene/Marisa Clark, Watseka, 8-4

Spartan soccer team blanked

St. Joseph -- The St. Joseph-Ogden soccer team fell 3-0 to visiting Bloomington Central Catholic after their Illini Prairie Conference match. Starting keeper Hunter Ketchum made three saves and backup goalie Jacik Slowikowski also recorded three saves for the Spartans (10-4-1).

The Saints got first half goals from Boyden Chaon and Jarrett Wieduwilt. Jaylen Bischoff scored the third time for BCC.

Rockets 2, Olympia 6

Sanford -- Nolan Remole scored once and later feed a pass on an attack that allowed Gabe Pound to score in the second half for Unity against the visiting Spartans. After Pound's goal, Olympia scored two more to go up 6-2 in the non-conference match.

The Rockets' regular season contest winds down next week with a home match against Oakwood on Monday. The team is on a bus for a roadtrip to north Champaign to face the Sabers of St. Thomas More.

Urbana captures first win of season, Kelso leads Spartans

Urbana captures first win of season with 6-3 victory over St. Joseph-Ogden in girls tennis behind strong doubles play at Blair Park.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Urbana's Elianna Lee hits the ball back over the net while playing the second set of her match against St. Joseph-Ogden's Samantha Kelso in the Tigers' home match against the Spartans.

URBANA - Samantha Kelso broke through for her first singles win of the year, but Urbana High School claimed its first team victory of the season with a 6-3 triumph over St. Joseph-Ogden in a nonconference girls tennis match Tuesday at Blair Park.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden's Maddie Wells serves during her doubles match on Tuesday.

Kelso, playing No. 1 singles, ended a two-match skid with a grueling 6-4, 7-5 decision over Urbana’s Elianna Lee in a contest that lasted two hours and 25 minutes. The win gave the Spartans an early lift, but Urbana rallied behind depth and strong doubles play.

St. Joseph-Ogden senior Lily Rice also delivered, earning her second singles win of the fall by defeating Urbana’s Catherine Bretl 6-2, 6-0. Rice, who split four matches last season, is off to a promising start with an eye on a breakout year. At No. 6 singles, Kenley Ray gave the Spartans their third point, topping Alisa Aksimentyeva 6-4, 6-2.

Urbana’s lineup countered with steady performances from its underclassmen. Freshman Anyssa Tangmunarunkit rallied from a set down to outlast SJO’s Madison Farber 3-6, 6-3, 10-5. Her older sister, Ananyah Tangmunarunkit, added a 6-4, 6-2 win over Ainsley Rhoten at No. 3 singles. Gwen McLean rounded out Urbana’s singles victories with a 6-3, 6-1 result over Avarie Dietiker.

With the score tied 3-3 after singles play, Urbana swept the doubles courts to clinch the dual. Lee teamed with Ananyah Tangmunarunkit for a 6-3, 6-2 win at No. 1, while Bretl and McLean secured No. 2 doubles with a 6-2, 6-1 victory. Anyssa Tangmunarunkit and Aksimentyeva closed it out with a 6-3, 6-3 win at No. 3.

The victory improved Urbana to 1-1, while St. Joseph-Ogden slipped to 2-2. Urbana will host St. Thomas More on Tuesday, Sept. 9, before embarking on a three-match road swing. The Spartans hit the road Monday, Sept. 8, for a matchup with Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley, followed by a Sept. 18 conference battle at Pontiac.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Tigers' Catherine Bretl and Gwen McLean go over game strategy during a changeover in the second set. The duo won their doubles match, defeating Maddie Wells and Ava Midkiff 6-2, 6-1.

Box Score

Urbana 6, St. Joseph-Ogden 3

Singles
No. 1 — Samantha Kelso (SJO) def. Elianna Lee (Urbana) 6-4, 7-5
No. 2 — Lily Rice (SJO) def. Catherine Bretl (Urbana) 6-2, 6-0
No. 3 — Ananyah Tangmunarunkit (Urbana) def. Ainsley Rhoten (SJO) 6-4, 6-2
No. 4 — Anyssa Tangmunarunkit (Urbana) def. Madison Farber (SJO) 3-6, 6-3, 10-5
No. 5 — Gwen McLean (Urbana) def. Avarie Dietiker (SJO) 6-3, 6-1
No. 6 — Kenley Ray (SJO) def. Alisa Aksimentyeva (Urbana) 6-4, 6-2

Doubles
No. 1 — Lee/Tangmunarunkit, A. (Urbana) def. Schmitz/Warnes (SJO) 6-3, 6-2
No. 2 — Bretl/McLean (Urbana) def. Wells/Midkiff (SJO) 6-2, 6-1
No. 3 — Tangmunarunkit, An./Aksimentyeva (Urbana) def. Hartman/Spain (SJO) 6-3, 6-3

St. Joseph-Ogden tennis rolls to shutout at GCMS

The Spartans swept all singles and doubles matches. SJO's singles and doubles squads were flawless, taking key wins on the road.

GIBSON CITY - St. Joseph-Ogden picked up a road win at Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley on Tuesday, improving the Spartans' record to 3-2. The girls tennis team earned a clean 5-0 victory over the Falcons, sweeping all singles and doubles matches.

In singles play, No. 1 Samantha Kelso defeated Natalie Aberle, 8-6, while No. 2 Lily Rice earned an 8-0 win over Charity Miguel.

The Spartans’ doubles teams were equally impressive. No. 1 pair Ainsley Rhoten and Madison Farber took an 8-6 win, No. 2 duo Shelby Warnes and Kenley Ray defeated their opponents 9-7, and No. 3 team Karleigh Spain and Sophia Scmitz dominated 8-1. SJO’s strong teamwork and consistent play allowed the team to claim the decisive road victory over GCMS.

Complete Match Results:

Singles:

No. 1 - Samantha Kelso, SJO def. Natalie Aberle, GCMS, 8-6
No. 2 - Lily Rice, SJO def. Charity Miguel, GCMS, 8-0

Doubles:

No. 1 - Ainsley Rhoten / Madison Farber, SJO def.
Charity Miguel / Natalie Aberle, GCMS, 8-6
No. 2 - Shelby Warnes / Kenley Ray, SJO def.
Caylynn Embry / McKenzy Foster, GCMS, 9-7
No. 3 - Karleigh Spain / Sophia Scmitz, SJO def.
Emma McDuffre / Bianca Stafford, GCMS, 8-1

Good spin for Tigers, Urbana tennis team downs St. Joseph at home

Lillian Hall hits the ball back over the next during her match at #2 singles against St.Joseph-Ogden's Madison Clampitt. Hall, a senior, defeated Clampitt, 6-3 , 6-7, 7-4.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

URBANA - The Urbana tennis team won five singles matches and all three doubles contests to defeat St. Joseph-Ogden at home Monday. The Tigers were dominant on all nine courts, winning the dual match 8-1.

All but one of the four matches decided by a third-set tiebreaker ended in Urbana's favor. Lillian Hall won the first set 6-3 and dropped the second set 7-6 in her match at No. 2 singles against SJO's Madison Clampitt. Taking an early lead in the tiebreaker, Hall secured the win with a 7-4 finish.

Coming off a 6-1, 6-1 loss to Danville’s Aliya Morgan, Urbana’s Ananyah Tangmunarunkit lost her first set against St. Joseph-Ogden’s Madison Farber at No. 3 singles, 6-3. Regrouping, she frustrated Farber with strong defensive play, running down good shots that could have been winners to take the second set 6-1. Tangmunarunkit, a sophomore, held on to an early lead to win 10-7 in the final set.

The Tigers also won both doubles matches that required an extra set.

Urbana’s Grace Coady and Lillian Hall pulled out the win at No. 1 doubles after defeating St. Joseph-Ogden duo Lily Rice and MaKennah Hamilton, 4-6, 6-2, 10-6.

Ananyah Tangmunarunkit, a sophomore, lines up a short-angled shot during her doubles match with partner Elianna Lee. The Tigers' doubles duo beat St. Joseph-Ogden’s Ella Dieteker and Sara Kearney in a three-setter. Tangmunarunkit's singles matches was also decided after three sets.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

At No. 2 doubles, Ananyah Tangmunarunkit and Elianna Lee played an exciting match against St. Joseph-Ogden’s Ella Dieteker and Sara Kearney. The Spartan pair won the first set 6-4, thanks to outstanding net play from Kearney. The Urbana duo regrouped, keeping the ball away from SJO’s best net player to win the second set 6-2. Tied at one set apiece, Urbana won the decider 10-5.

The Spartans’ only victory came at No. 1 singles. In a contentious battle, SJO’s Sami Kelso defeated Urbana’s Grace Coady 3-6, 7-5, 10-5.

The Tigers are back on the courts at Blair Park next Tuesday for their final home match of the season, hosting Central.

Final Score:
Urbana 8 - St. Joseph-Ogden 1

Singles:
Samantha Kelso, SJO def. Grace Coady, Urbana, 3-6, 6-5, 10-5; Lillian Hall, Urbana def. Madison Clampitt, SJO, 6-3 , 6-7, 7-4; Ananyah Tangmunarunkit, Urbana def. Madison Farber, SJO, 4-6, 6-1, 10-7; Elianna Lee, Urbana def. Ainsley Rhoten, SJO, 6-2, 6-2; Gwen McLean, Urbana def. Audrie Helfrich, SJO, 6-0, 6-4; Amani Brown, Urbana def. Avarie Dietiker, SJO, 6-4, 6-2.

Doubles:
Grace Coady - Lillian Hall, Urbana def. Lily Rice - MaKennah Hamilton, SJO, 4-6, 6-2, 10-6; Ananyah Tangmunarunkit - Elianna Lee, Urbana def. Ella Dieteker - Sara Kearney, SJO, 4-6, 6-2, 10-5; Catherine Bretl - Amani Brown, Urbana def. Audrey Benoit - Claire Hartman, SJO, 7-6, 6-0.

Spartans’ depth shines in 7-2 win over Decatur St. Teresa, Kelso & team growing

Senior Samy Kelso leads St. Joseph-Ogden with a 5-3 record, guiding a balanced Spartans tennis team built on depth and commitment.

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.

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.

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.

SJO's Ava Midkiff plays in a tennis match against Urbana — Ava Midkiff lines up a shot while playing at #2 doubles in St. Joseph-Ogden's against Urbana back in early September. The Spartan dropped the road match 6-3 to the Tigers. The two teams face each other again on Monday at Blair Park for a season rematch.

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.

Match Results

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

TAGS: St. Joseph-Ogden girls tennis, Samy Kelso senior season, IHSA tennis Illinois, SJO vs Decatur St. Teresa tennis, Illini Prairie Conference sports

St. Joseph-Ogden fall sports award winners

The fall of 2025 was one to remember for St. Joseph-Ogden athletics. Varsity letters were awarded to 129 student-athletes across sports and activities.

ST. JOSEPH - St. Joseph-Ogden High School didn’t just wrap up a fall sports season. It closed the book on one of the most memorable stretches of athletic success the program has seen in years.

Last week, the Spartans announced 129 varsity letter winners from fall sports and activities, a number that speaks not only to wins and trophies, but to depth, commitment and consistency across the athletic department. From packed Friday nights on the football field to championship-caliber finishes on the cross country course and the soccer pitch, St. Joseph-Ogden athletes left their mark throughout the fall of 2025.

Football set the tone early.

After absorbing injuries to key players at the start of the season, the Spartans could have folded. Instead, they regrouped, leaned on grit and tenacity, and found their rhythm when it mattered most. St. Joseph-Ogden finished 8-5 and authored an impressive postseason run that reminded opponents the Spartans are rarely an easy out in November.

It was the kind of season that doesn’t show up fully in a record book. It showed up in long practices, next-man-up performances and a squad that stayed connected through adversity. For the players who earned letters, it was a season built on determination as much as talent.

Distance running brought statewide recognition.

Both the boys and girls cross country teams delivered top-10 finishes at the IHSA state meet in Peoria, continuing SJO's place among Illinois’ elite programs. The boys finished seventh overall, while the girls claimed sixth, a testament to months of disciplined training and steady progression.

Cross country success rarely comes overnight. It is built mile by mile, often before sunrise and long after the school day ends on the roads through and around town. The state finishes reflected not only strong front runners but complete teams that could pack together and score when it mattered most.

Soccer might have been the headline act.

Behind the combined scoring punch of senior Zach Harper and junior Tyler Hess, the Spartans rolled through much of their schedule, overwhelming opponents with pace, precision and confidence. St. Joseph-Ogden finished the season 24-2-2, with the only blemish coming in a hard-fought sectional championship loss to Williamsville.

Under head coach Chris Stevens, the Spartans put together a program-best 22-match unbeaten run, winning 20 matches and tying two. It was the kind of stretch that defines a season and leaves a lasting standard for what Spartan soccer can be.

While championships and records grab attention, the heart of the announcement rested with the 129 student-athletes who earned varsity letters. Those letters represent early mornings, late nights, and the willingness to balance academics with the demands of high-level competition. They also represent teammates who may not always appear in box scores but are essential to a program’s success.

Below is the complete list of award winners and varsity letter recipients at St. Joseph-Ogden High School. Each fall sport and activity contributed to that total, reinforcing the idea that St. Joseph-Ogden athletics is not built on one team or one season, but on a culture of excellence.

FOOTBALL

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Spartan running back Wyatt Wertz celebrates as he lands in the end zone for a touchdown against Pontiac. The senior shared this season's team Offensive Award with Kaden Wedig.

Team Awards

MVP – Kodey McKinney
MIP – Jonathon Moore
Defensive Award – Coy Hayes
Offensive Award – Wyatt Wertz & Kaden Wedig
Scout Team Award – Holden Hausle
Special Teams Award – Lucas Smith
Lineman Award – Brennan Oleynichak
Spartan Team Player Award – Tim Blackburn-Kelley

Letterwinners

Matt Alexander, Sr.
Tim Blackburn-Kelley, Sr.
Will Franklin, Sr.
Charlie Hale, Sr.
Coy Hayes, Sr.
Ryker Lockhart, Sr.
Kodey McKinney, Jr.
Jackson Mohr, Sr.
Jonathon Moore, Sr.
Brennan Oleynichak, Sr.
Colton Overstreet, Sr.
Logan Rosenthal, Sr.
Landon Smith, Sr.
Lucas Smith, Sr.
Hunter Van Meenen, Sr.
Wyatt Wertz, Sr.
Willis Canamore, Jr.
Jameson Ennis, Jr.
Paityn Mann, Jr.
Maddux Musselman, Jr.
Cameron Wagner, Jr.
Brayden Waller, Jr.
Kaden Wedig, Jr.
Liam Carter, So.
Caleb Courter, So.
Landon May, So.
Lane McKinney, So.
Mason Osterbur, So.
Logan Umbarger, So.
Ryder Van Meenen, So.
Owen Wall, So.
Lucas Waters, So.

VOLLEYBALL

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Emma McKinney, Emerson Williams, Hadley McDonald and members of the SJO volleyball celebrate a point during set one of their regional semifinal match against Unity. Emerson received the team's Offensive Award this fall.

Team Awards

MIP – Ally Schmitz
Defensive Award – Katie Ericksen
Offensive Award – Emma McKinney
Varsity Spartan Award – Emma Wells
JV Spartan Award – Greta Goldenstein
Freshman Spartan Award – Ella Buhs

Letterwinners

Addi Childers, Sr.
Katie Ericksen, Sr.
Emma McKinney, Sr.
Ally Schmitz, Sr.
Emma Wells, Sr.
Lily Ahart, Jr.
Brynn Ikemire, Jr.
Alivia Learned, Jr.
Hadley McDonald, Jr.
Addi Stevens, Jr.
Emerson Williams, Jr.
Ava Alexander, So.
Megan Kearney, So.
Atleigh Miller, So.
Vivian Smith, So.
Raegan Wheatley, So.

TENNIS

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Maddie Wells makes solid contact while play doubles in SJO's road match at Urbana in September. Starting wrestling season last month, look for the senior to qualify for the IHSA girls' state tournament this February.

Team Awards

MVP – Sami Kelso
MIP – Shelby Warns
Mental Attitude Award – Madison Farber

Letterwinners

Claire Hartman, Sr.
Samantha Kelso, Sr.
Ava Midkiff, Sr.
Ainsely Rhoton, Sr.
Lily Rice, Sr.
Karleigh Spain, Sr.
Maddie Wells, Sr.
Madison Farber, Jr.
Audrie Helfrich, Jr.
Sophie Schmitz, Jr.
Shelby Warns, Jr.
Avarie Dietiker, So.
Kenley Ray, So.
Nora Buckley, Fr.

SOCCER

Yadiel Acosta-Reyes takes the ball down the field for St. Joseph-Ogden

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Junior Yadie Acosta-Reyes dribbles the ball down the field in the Spartans home playoff match against Unity. Look for the midfielder to return next fall to help SJO duplicate their 2025 season greatness.

Team Awards

MVP – Zach Harper
Offensive Award – Tyler Hess
Defensive Award – Steven Newman
Freshman MIP – Luke Dunn
Coaches Award – Quinn Stahl

Letterwinners

Rudra Chaudhary, Sr.
Zach Harper, Sr.
Michael McDaniel, Sr.
Branson Pearman, Sr.
Quinn Stahl, Sr.
Hadley Sweet, Sr.
Yadiel Acosta-Reyes, Jr.
Lizzie Clark, Jr.
Jaxson Colvin, Jr.
Skyler Graham, Jr.
Nicholas Harris, Jr.
Tyler Hess, Jr.
Waylon Jones, Jr.
Steven Newman, Jr.
Jaxon Potts, Jr.
Miles Atwood, So.
Hunter Cler, So.
Luke Dunn, Fr.
Lucas Stevens, Fr.
Caleb Taylor, Fr.

MARCHING BAND

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Emily Bird plays clarinet while performing with the SJO Marchng Band during the halftime show during the football team's home game against Paxton-Buckley-Loda.

Band Awards

MVP – Sara Bytnar
Up and Comer Award – Ramsay Arnold
Spirit Award – Delaney Nekolny
Leadership Award – Sydney Steinbach
Spinner Award – Arianna Pecchenino
Heartbeat of the Band Award – Gregory Wells

Letterwinners

Emily Bird, Sr.
Sara Bytnar, Sr.
Claire Hartman, Sr.
Cooper Kietzman, Sr.
Michael McDaniel, Sr.
Patrick McMahon, Sr.
Delaney Nekolny, Sr.
Kaleb Peoples, Sr.
Sydney Steinbach, Sr.
Carlee Taylor, Sr.
Zain Bialeschki-Hua, Jr.
Isabella Turner, Jr.
Cole Beckett, So.
Tyler Bonny, So.
Patrick Clark, So.
Aubrey Matheny, So.
Connor McMahon, So.
Alyssa Robinson, So.
Nayeli Steele, So.
Ramsay Arnold, Fr.
Reid Bewley, Fr.
Bailey Blakley, Fr.
Brady Blunier, Fr.
Jade Gains, Fr.
Arianna Pecchenino, Fr.
August Rosser, Fr.
Ryan Schmitz, Fr.
Taylor Vaughn, Fr.
Greg Wells, Fr.
Gwen Welsh, Fr.

GOLF

Team Awards

MVP – Asher Pruemer
MIP – Trevor Ames

Letterwinners

Trevor Ames, Sr.
Wade Clark, Sr.
Nathan Daly, Sr.
Asher Pruemer, Sr.
Graham Ray, Sr.
Devan Swisher, Sr.
Garrett Loschen, Jr.
Finn Miller, Jr.

SPORT

SIDELINE CHEERLEADING

MIP – Addison Wright
Spirit Award – Abby Reynolds
Lexi Barbour Award – Addison Walsh

Letterwinners

Iris Davis, Jr.
Leah Gaines, Jr.
Faith Jackson, Jr.
Peighton Riem, Jr.
Ava Smoot, Jr.
Abby Reynolds, So.
Samantha Ryan, So.
Addison Walsh, So.
Sorena Welsh, So.
Presley Ideus, Fr.
Addison Wright, Fr.

CROSS COUNTRY

Team Awards

Boys MVP – Colin Burnett & Lance Retz
Girls MVP – Grace Bressner
Boys MIP – Sam Zadeh
Girls MIP – Grace Bressner
Tim Mies Effort Award – Nate Farney
Ashley Wright Effort Award – Allie Bott
Rick Walden Most Consistent Award – Colin Burnett

Letterwinners

Lance Retz, Sr.
Sydney Steinbach, Sr.
Cyrus Zadeh, Sr.
Abby Bello, Jr.
Colin Burnett, Jr.v Nate Farney, Jr.
Kyla Franckey, Jr.
Mark Harbourt, Jr.
Aiden Hundley, Jr.
Kiah Riesel, Jr.
Grace Bressner, So.
Hunter Dilley, So.
Eli Franklin, So.
Nathan Hinkel, So.
Tessa Walker, So.
Sam Zadeh, So.
Ramsay Arnold, Fr.
Charlene Barbee, Fr.
Adam Bello, Fr.
Allie Bott, Fr.
Brady Johnson, Fr.
Caylah Roberts, Fr.
Taylor Vaughn, Fr.

St Joseph Ogden varsity letter winners 2025, St Joseph Ogden fall sports awards list, SJO football cross country soccer 2025 season, IHSA state cross country St Joseph Ogden results, St Joseph Ogden High School athletics feature

Match Results

Rice picks win for Spartan tennis program

Spartan soccer team blanked

Rockets 2, Olympia 6

Box Score

Complete Match Results:

Match Results

FOOTBALL

Team Awards

Letterwinners

VOLLEYBALL

Team Awards

Letterwinners

TENNIS

Team Awards

Letterwinners

SOCCER

Team Awards

Letterwinners

MARCHING BAND

Band Awards

Letterwinners

GOLF

Team Awards

Letterwinners

SPORT

SIDELINE CHEERLEADING

Letterwinners

CROSS COUNTRY

Team Awards

Letterwinners

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