It doesn't faze Miles that Kruse is giving the advice that she needs to hear. And actually, Miles knew the advice was coming, because it has for the past four years.

Not only do they form the No. 1 doubles team for Rock Bridge, a perennial state championship contender, but they are best friends off the tennis court. They are classmates and shopping buddies, student council representatives and spiritual accountability partners.

They know more than how to read each other. They know each others' tendencies, skills and even schedules, which is easy since they are often identical.

The two are in many of the same advanced placement classes, as well as the same K-Life Bible study group. And whether it is taking a weekend escape to the lake or engaging in a shopping spree in St. Louis, Kruse and Miles are constantly spending time together.

This close relationship off the court has helped them develop effective on-court chemistry. This chemistry is built on a foundation of communication, teamwork and unconditional support for one another.

A combination of Miles' aggressive play at the net and Kruse's competitive nature has been a formula for success this season. The duo has compiled a 20-3 record.

Their relationship, however, wasn't always a friendly one. They grew up as opponents on the court, competing against one another in state tournaments.

But that quickly changed after the two made the varsity tennis team at Rock Bridge. They were no longer competing for individual glory. They were teammates with a united team goal.

They were awkward freshmen, eager to learn everything they could from their veteran teammates. The team went on to to win the state championship that season, the first of what would be four trips to the state final four for Kruse and Miles.

Kruse said that over the past few weeks, she and Miles have been trying to help their inexperienced teammates understand how deep the competition is at the state tournament and how to gracefully deal with both victory and defeat.

Their teammates' last look will begin today in Springfield as Miles and Kruse take the court in quest of a state team title. A talented Notre Dame de Sion is all that stands between the Bruins and a date in the state finals.

The girls enter the tournament with experience on their side. Each season since they were freshmen, the Bruins have reached the state semifinals. Their fourth appearance puts Kruse and Miles in a select group of recipients of the Final Four Achievement Award. This honor is given to players who have played in the final four in each of their high school seasons.

On Friday, the two will begin competing for the state doubles title. It is the same position they were in two years ago when they first competed as a doubles team in the state championship tournament. The tandem is hoping to improve upon that seventh-place finish.

The girls said they hope this experience gives them an edge on the competition and translates into success over the two-day tournament. And they want to go out with a bang.

Achieving success academically, balancing often complex social calendars and maintaining optimistic attitudes are the qualities Loeb appreciates.

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