The Montezuma-Cortez High School Lady Panthers tennis team played three matches last week.
M-CHS dropped two in Frutia, but out-gunned Montrose on the road Saturday, 4-3.
Its the first true road win of the season for the Lady Panthers (4-6, 4-3 Region 8) and the last regular season match. Regionals begin today in Grand Junction.
At Montrose, Kristen Parker continued her fine play for M-CHS at No. 1 singles with a straight set victory over Courtney Chism, 6-3, 6-3. At No. 2 singles, Sadee Threlkeld made very few mistakes and beat Samantha Sierra, 6-0, 6-1.
I was very impressed with Threlkelds consistent, powerful groundstrokes and first serves, Lady Panthers coach Dan Wood said.
Nicole Demby lost to Montroses Alyssa Arena, 2-6, 3-6.
Demby is getting better and better with her baseline power and serving accuracy, Wood said. I was amazed to see her hurry over to the tennis courts after competing against the Montrose track team in the high jump.
In doubles, the No. 1 M-CHS team of Elsie Walck and Charley Stewart had a very tough match and lost in a third-set tiebreaker, 7-10.
Even though Walck and Stewart lost, Wood feels his No. 1 doubles are ready for regionals.
Several other coaches have told me they will do well at regionals and possibly make it to the state playoffs, he said.
At No. 2s, Mary Wright and Jessica Quinonez defeated Angelica Nearez and Kathaerine Brown, 6-1, 2-6, 10-2, to move to 5-2 in Region 8 play. Amanda Haukeness had to play without her injured No. 3 doubles partner, Jaci Veach. But freshman Kearra Boggs stepped up and played consistent, accurate tennis. The duo clinched the match for the Lady Panthers, besting Katie Mclendon and Aimee Gerlach, 6-2, 6-2.
M-CHS lost at No. 4 doubles for the final margin.
On Friday at Fruita Monument High School, the Lady Panthers lost a 4-3 heartbreaker to regional rival Aspen. Despite 40 to 50 mile an hour winds and dust, M-CHS won three tiebreakers at No. 1 singles, and No. 2 and 4 doubles. In the Friday afternoon match with host Fruita, the Lady Panthers lost 7-0 to a very strong team. There were close matches across at several positions. Wood feels his team is ready for regionals.
Regional play for 4A schools begins today and continues through Saturday in Grand Junction with times to be announced.
