Although there were some outstanding performances by the Montezuma-Cortez High School boys varsity tennis team in Durango Tuesday, the Demons won 6 of 7 matches.
Panthers coach Dan Wood said he was disappointed with the outcome, but he was impressed with the intensity of play and the way some of his players enthusiastically enjoyed the competition.
Graham Cathey continued his excellent play at No. 1 singles, winning the first set and then losing two close sets to end a great match. The audience applauded, expressing their appreciation for quality performances by both sides.
Logan Dean played almost flawlessly and notched the only victory for the Panthers at No. 2 singles. The win should put Dean as a high seed in the Regional Playoffs and increase his chances for playing in the 4A State Championships in Pueblo.
Ford Wegner lost a close match at No. 3 singles. Coach Wood indicated he is impressed with Wegners improvement and is looking forward to Wegners confidence increasing his chances for more victories.
At No. 1 doubles, Jake Valdez and Todd Underwood lost a very close match to the Demons. But the duo will be respected more in the future, because of what they learned in this match playing away in front of a cheering audience.
Their concentration and confidence has increased dramatically, said Wood about his No. 1 doubles team.
All the other doubles teams lost to Durango, but Wood was most impressed with Jace Mullen and Sy Eckharts performance at No. 4 doubles. Mullen and Eckhart played with great joy and enthusiasm throughout the match, even though Durango won in the end.
The Panthers are on the road Friday and Saturday to play Fruita Monument and Montrose at 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. to end the regular season.
RESULTS: M-CHS lost Tuesday at Durango, 1-6. Graham Cathey lost, 6-4, 5-7, 4-6, to Ryder Searle at No. 1 singles. Logan Dean beat Aaron Cash, 6-0, 6-2, at No. 2 singles. Ford Wegner lost, 2-6, 1-6, to Wesley Komick at No. 3 singles. Jake Valdez and Todd Underwood lost, 2-6, 6-3, 4-6, to Dylan Blair and Patrick Neal at No. 1 doubles. Cody Canzona and Xavier Eddy lost, 0-6, 0-6, to Alec Ensign and Chris Walton at No. 2 doubles. Wyatt Yates and Tyler Daniel lost, 1-6, 2-6, to Garrett Crowell and Drew Downs at No. 3 doubles. Sy Eckert and Jace Muller lost, 3-6, 1-6, to Harrison Quick and Jalen Muller at No. 4 doubles.