The Durango Demons only had three days of on-court practice to determine their lineup for the first girls tennis tournament of the season.
When they finally arrived in Grand Junction, they were simply happy to get the chance to play, regardless of the outcome.
The Durango High School girls tennis team lost 6-1 in its first match of the season, a head-to-head competition against the Steamboat Springs Sailors. The matches were held at Canyon View Park in Grand Junction one day ahead of the big Western Slope Open.
“It’s been a tough beginning of the season, but everybody in spring sports is in the same boat,” DHS head coach Dave Weisfeldt said of the limited practice time his team has had. “We had some playoffs in the two or three days we’ve had to determine our lineup going into this weekend.”
Junior Sarah Harrelson earned the No. 1 singles slot. She played the Sailors’ Tatum Burger and lost 6-1, 6-0. It was Harrelson’s first match back to competition after sitting out her sophomore season after a strong freshman campaign.
“Sarah needs more court experience to get steadier. She showed early season inconsistency, but she has great potential at No. 1 singles,” Weisfeldt said. “We are excited to have her aboard and back into it.”
Maggie Hackett dropped a 6-3, 6-4 match against Steamboat Springs’ Maddy Thompson at No. 2 doubles. Weisfeldt called it the most exciting match of the day.
“They went back and forth trading breaks. They both showed great movement, and Maggie is hitting the ball well,” he said.
DHS picked up its lone win of the day at No. 3 singles, where Kit Hackett mowed down Shea Burger 6-2, 6-0.
“She won with her consistency. She opened up her shots and went for it,” Weisfeldt said. “She was thrilled to get a big confidence booster.”
DHS took their lumps in doubles. Hannah Liberman and Skylar Borr lost 6-1, 6-0 at No. 1 doubles after taking several games to deuce but not turning the corner, Weisfeldt said.
Jenni Snowberger, a returning state qualifier, paired up with Audrey Morris in a 6-1, 6-0 loss at No. 2 doubles.
Jenna Engelken and Chloe West dropped a pair of 6-1 sets at No. 3 doubles, and Ruby DeCora and Emily West lost 6-2, 6-0 at No. 4 doubles.
DHS will turn its attention to the Western Slope Open, a tournament Weisfeldt called the team’s toughest until regionals and state.
“Everyone takes it as a yardstick for where you are at this point in the season,” he said. “There is a lot of talent on our team this year, and we’re looking forward to getting matches and experience against good teams.”
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