Wolfpack Wraps Up Season at IHSA State Finals

The Wolfpack concluded its season at the IHSA State Finals this past weekend, competing under crisp fall conditions — with visible breath in the morning air and frost glistening on the grass. Junior Kate Gibble opened her first-round match with a rocky start, falling behind 1–4 after being double-broken. Showing resilience, she stormed back to win six consecutive games and take the first set 6–4, then carried that momentum to a 6–4, 6–2 victory. Gibble also won her 2nd round comfortably 6-2, 6-3. In the round of 16, Gibble faced a formidable opponent — the eventual state champion — and fell 6–1, 6–0. Still, this marked Gibble’s best-ever performance at State, earning her a spot on Day 2 and a top-24 overall finish. Freshman doubles duo Catherine-Grace Smith and Sophie Espaldon made their State debut with a tough opening loss, 6–2, 6–4. However, they bounced back impressively in the consolation bracket, winning three straight matches, in straight sets, to reach the fourth round and also securing a top-24 finish in the state. As a team, the Wolfpack finished 18th overall, capping off a strong season of growth and competition.