Emily Barretta probably could partner up with a scarecrow.
The New Trier junior is in her third season at doubles with a new teammate. As a freshman, Barretta played at the state tournament with Taylor Hampshire. Last season, she teamed up with Mari Georgiadis to take fourth place.
Already this season, Barretta’s played with three girls. Her most recent partner is sophomore Gabby Nixon. Together, Barretta and Nixon entered this week 3-0.
“It’s been a good start,” Barretta said. “It’s been difficult to figure out which player’s game matches my game. Gabby’s a big hitter, and I’m also a big hitter, so that dynamic works. We also are both good at the net. Those skills have helped us be a bigger and stronger team.”
Barretta said her pairing last season with Georgiadis worked because the two were different players.
“We had opposite games, actually,” said Barretta, who was with Julia Schroeder before switching to Georgiadis. “It was interesting. She had such amazing hands at the net, and she always was a positive player. (Coach) had it set for us to play doubles, and we clicked right away.”
This season, Barretta also has been paired with Clarie Golden and Taylor Tamblyn. Barretta joined up with Nixon last week.
In their first CSL South match as partners, Barretta and Nixon combined to beat Niles Wes’s top tandem 6-0, 6-0. They then beat Maine South’s No. 1 team 6-1, 6-1.
The win over the Hawks improved the Trevians to 4-0 in the conference. Coming into this week, New Trier’s only loss in 28 league matches came at No. 2 singles against Glenbrook South in the opener.
“We’re in pretty good shape,” said Barretta, who’s been part of two top-five finishes at the state tournament in two seasons. “We have another good chance of placing high at the State Meet.
“I’m hoping to find a partner who will help me improve and maybe even win a state title with. But the most important thing is for the team to be successful.”
New Trier was scheduled to play Loyola on Monday and Evanston on Tuesday before heading to Lake Forest’s quadrangular Saturday. The Scouts are the defending state champions.
