Oct. 25--Isabella Lorenzini was on the wrong side of history the past two years at the IHSA girls tennis state tournament.
It was time for change for the Hinsdale Central junior on Saturday in Buffalo Grove.
In the third and final battle of experienced state competitors, Lorenzini defeated Naperville Central senior Tiffany Chen 6-4, 6-3 to capture her first state singles championship.
Lorenzini and Chen have been an unavoidable pair at state. Two years ago, Chen defeated Lorenzini in two sets in the singles finals. Last season, Lorenzini knocked off Chen in two sets in a semifinal, but lost to Carmel's Brienne Minor in the final.
"It feels so good, finally," Lorenzini said. "Third time is a charm. I definitely had some pressure, but I love it. I play good under it. It doesn't bother me."
Lorenzini captured the first singles titles for Hinsdale Central since Cece Cahill won back-to-back in 1985-86.
Besides a short flurry of points by Chen midway through the second set, Lorenzini's power game and precise hitting overwhelmed her opponent.
"Bella played great," Chen said. "There's nothing you can do when she's firing winners like that. I think I played a lot better this year than last year. She really just dominated and mixed it up."
Chen showed her championship mettle late in the first set, battling off five set points before Lorenzini's winning forehand shot.
"It was huge game," Lorenzini said. "Every point mattered. I just was so focused and after add-in 500 times, I put it away to win the set. She's a great player. I respect her game. I've played her every year at state, and it's always a good match."
Lorenzini (19-0) dominated throughout her brief season, with her quarterfinal win over Northside's Nicole Roc the only time she was extended to three sets.
"I was aggressive and dictated play," Lorenzini said. That's my game -- I'm aggressive. I'm not the tallest person, but I'm strong. From day one, I've been all business and took it one match at a time."
Hinsdale Central won its third straight team title, clinching it by the end of Friday's action. Stevenson placed second and New Trier third.
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
Team champion: Hinsdale Central (third consecutive).
Singles final: Isabella Lorenzini (Hinsdale Central) d. Tiffany Chen (Naperville Central), 6-4, 6-3.
Doubles final: Sandra Keta Stephanie Dolehide (Hinsdale Central) d. Katherine Harvey Vinaya Rao (Stevenson), 7-6 (3), 1-6, 7-5.
