The Montezuma-Cortez High School boys tennis teams lost two road matches at Grand Junction Central, 5-2, and Grand Junction, 7-0, last Friday and Saturday.
M-CHS (3-3, 0-2 5A/4A Southwestern League) got wins over Central at No. 2 and 3 doubles. The No. 2 team of Todd Underwood and Caleb Branson won a hard fought match, 7-5, 2-6, 10-8.
Our team is doing extremely well this season. I feel like this is the best overall team out of all the years I have played at M-CHS, Branson said.
The No. 3 doubles duo of Ford Wegner and Jake Ritthaler won in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2.
Ritthaler was very aggressive all over the court, and Wegner made some incredible shots at the net to secure the victory, Panthers coach Dan Wood said.
M-CHS suffered a significant blow at No. 1 singles. Graham Cathey was in a close match before having to withdraw due to a sprained ankle.
Graham is a very fit team player, and we are all hoping he recovers quickly from this injury, Wood said.
On Saturday, the Panthers faced one of the best teams in Colorado. The Grand Junction Tigers. The match was played in 10-game pro sets because of inclement weather, as the Tigers shutout M-CHS.
The Panthers are now 23-18 on the season for individual matches.
M-CHS will be at the Delta High School tournament on Friday and Saturday. Starting times are to be announced.