Taking the court at home against Grand Junction High School on April 11, the Montezuma-Cortez High School girls tennis team struggled to win games and failed to win a single match.
Further souring the day was the fact that several players didn’t attend because they had other commitments.
M-CHS head coach Valerie Bauer focused on the positives, noting that several players have shown improvement throughout what has turned out to be a rebuilding season.
“We had a lot of girls gone this weekend,” said Bauer. “The players that were there all played very well. They keep progressing, and they’re so close to turning the corner.”
In the No. 1 singles match, M-CHS junior Raquel Lucero fell to Carolena Campos, 6-0, 6-0, and at No. 2 singles, M-CHS junior Skye Cole lost to Mckenna Brooks, 6-2, 6-3.
“Raquel seems like she is starting to think ahead rather than just hitting the ball,” said Bauer. “She’s doing some basic things a little better. Sky always has long matches, and she is playing so good. I think she played the best out of any of our players over the weekend.”
In the No. 3 singles match, M-CHS junior Laurel Chappel lost to Sarah Megan Erb 6-0, 6-0, and at No. 1 doubles, Tori Calliham and Angel Veach lost to Jessi Smith and Isabel Manzanares, 6-1, 6-0.
“Laurel is always progressing,” said Bauer. “She gets really frustrated because she is so competitive, but she has really good form. She just needs more time on the court and the results will come.”
At No. 2 doubles, M-CHS lost 6-0, 6-0, and at No. 3 doubles, M-CHS sophomores Jennifer Sturman and Kaila Carver lost, 6-0, 6-1.
The No. 4 doubles match ended with another Panthers loss, 6-0, 6-1.
Next up will be a road match against Cedaredge on April 16, and the Delta Tournament on April 17-18.
“This week, we need to work on the basics,” said Bauer. “I want the girls to start thinking ahead and strategizing.”