Playing their final matches of the season at the Region 8 Tournament in Grand Junction, April 30–May 1, the Montezuma-Cortez High School tennis team did not fare well, winning just two of 15 matches.
Recording the lone victories for the Lady Panthers were No. 2 doubles players Angel Veach and Kristin Pierce, who opened the tournament with a 6–4, 6–4 victory over Cedaredge’s Emily Anderson and Karina Simler.
The M-CHS duo then defeated Hotchkiss High School’s Carli Gallegos and Morgan Dodier, 6–3, 3–6, 6–4, before losing to Steamboat Springs High School’s Sabina Berend and Sydney Boyd, 6–1, 6–0, and Aspen High School’s Nikki Cardamone and Elizabeth DeWetter, 6–1, 6–0.
“(Angel and Kristen) wanted to win Regionals, but they also wanted to enjoy the experience,” said M-CHS head coach Valerie Bauer. “This being Kristin’s first year, now she knows what to expect for next year. Angel played her best matches at the end of the year.”
At No. 1 singles, Raquel Lucero lost to Montrose High School’s Alyssa Arellond, 7–5, 6–0, before falling to Glenwood High School’s Sophia Nelson, 6–1, 6–4.
At No. 2 singles, Skye Cole lost to Glenwood Springs High School’s Ivy Wright, 7–6, 6–2, and at No. 3 singles, Laurel Chappell lost to Durango’s Kit Hackett, 6–4, 6–1 and Montrose High School’s Micaiah Nichols, 6–1, 6–0.
“As an athlete, Laurel’s goal is to win,” said Bauer. “Everyone has good times and bad times. She knows the areas that she can get better in.”
No. 1 doubles player Tori Calliham paired with Ashley Moore in losing to Aspen High School’s Olivia Carr and Keley Ward, 6–0, 6–3. The pair then lost to Montrose High School’s Carli Gellegos and Morgan Dodier, 6–3, 3–6, 6–4.
“Tori and Ashley had a tough year, but they are realistic and honest,” Bauer said. “Tori made stepping stones out of a couple of obstacles. They have no problem with challenges and they go out there and compete.”
No. 3 doubles players Kaila Carver and Tydall Davis lost to Delta High School’s Meysa Mulford and Ysenia Gilliam, 4–6, 6–0, 6–2, and No. 4 doubles players Jennifer Sturman and Courtney Kocourek lost to Durango High School’s Chloe and Emily West.
With their season now complete, the M–CHS girls’ tennis team will turn its attention to improving during the summer. Bauer said that she is hopeful that her team’s players will remain active and continue practicing in preparation for next season.