Glenbrook South junior Caroline Ryba, considered one of the top 70 tennis players in her class nationally, suffered a hamstring injury toward the beginning of club season in the winter.

Now she says it’s healing, and her results so far this year back that up.

“A pulled hamstring isn’t just something that heals overnight,’’ Ryba said. “It’s been slowly healing and almost all better, but it’s one of those things that takes time. I try not to put too much pressure on it.’’

Ryba has been not only one of the top players nationally, but one of the local players as well. After a freshman year that saw her finish fourth in the Maine East Sectional and go 3-2 in the state tournament, Ryba took a step up in her second varsity season. The then-sophomore won the CSL conference title and a sectional title and earned a 9-16 seed in the state tournament. Her fourth round loss to Lyons’ Alex Chatt, who finished as the state runner-up, guaranteed her a spot in the top 16, and that’s where she finished.

“I didn’t play as well as I had hoped, but it was a good experience,’’ Ryba said. “I played players I hadn’t played before, so I didn’t know what to really look for, but I went out and played my hardest.’’

Ryba has been a major part of a strong Glenbrook South season. The Titans are 8-1 in dual meets, with their only loss being to rival Glenbrook North, and they finished fourth in the prestigious Fremd, New Trier and Loyola Invites. Coming up are meets against New Trier, Loyola, Stevenson and the conference tournament.

Knowing everyone is coming after her drives the Titan junior to succeed.

“I know there is pressure out there to win,’’ Ryba said. “The girls out here get better and better every year. It’s a challenge because I know if I’m not at the top of my game, one of them can beat me.’’

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