After suffering several consecutive losses, the Montezuma-Cortez High School girls’ tennis team’s most recent match resulted in a resounding win.
Playing at home against the Durango High School junior varsity team on April 15, the Panthers were dominant, winning all seven of their matches.
Leading the way for M-CHS was No. 1 singles player Tara Abrams, who rebounded from a tough first set to register a 6-7, 6-3, 10-5 victory over Ali Carey.
Showing their appreciation for Abrams come from behind victory, friends and teammates carried her off the court as the home crowd cheered.
Also playing well for the Panthers, No. 2 singles player Raquel Lucero defeated Durango’s Sydney Carey, 6-0, 6-1.
“All of my serves were going in, which was good,” said Lucero.
At No. 1 doubles, Jaci Veach and Skye Cole defeated Durango’s Braden Higby and Jazmin Ortiz, 6-4, 6-2 while at No. 3 singles, Kearra Boggs defeated Ryann Daly 6-0, 6-1.
“This year, I’ve really improved on my backhands and my spin has gotten a lot more consistent,” said Boggs.
Also winning for the Panthers, No. 2 doubles players Tori Calliham and Laurel Chappell defeated Chloe West and Emily West, 6-0, 6-1.
Panthers’ No. 3 doubles players Sera King and Paige Bailey defeated Jasmine Herrera and Tanessa Farley, 6-1, 6-0, while No. 4 doubles players Natasha Gordon and Ashley Moore won 6-1, 6-2.
Rounding out the Panthers’ winners were junior varsity players Kyla Kingery and Angel Veach, who won 6-3, 4-6, 10-4.
“(Angel Veach) and (Kingery) have improved more than anyone else,” said Panthers’ head coach Dan Wood.
Looking to continue their winning ways, the Panthers will travel to compete in the 12-team Delta Tournament, which will take place April 18-19.
“Winning was good for the girls’ confidence and I look forward to having a great tournament this weekend,” Wood said.