For the first time this year, the Colorado High School Activities Association will host a dual team state tournament for tennis, pairing entire squads against each other to see who has the top lineup.

The Durango High School girls tennis team earned the No. 15 seed for the inaugural Class 4A tournament and will play at No. 2 Cheyenne Mountain in the first round. They’ll play at 7 p.m. Wednesday (April 26) at the Country Club of Colorado in Colorado Springs.

“The dual style team championships are new this year, trying to align better with college tennis championships and build an exciting team vs. team atmosphere,” said DHS head coach Darren Tarshis. “I’m really proud of our players. They have worked hard and have been recognized as the only Western Slope team chosen for the 16-team bracket.”

DHS has won seven of its eight duals this season and are a perfect 4-0 in league matches.

“Everyone on the team has worked hard and put in the time this season,” said Rachel Ager. “I am looking forward to what we can do to close out the season and take our opportunity at team state.”

Mullen scored the No. 1 seed and will play No. 16 Thomas Jefferson in the first round.

Kent Denver earned the No. 3 seed and will play No. 14 Severance. In other first round games, No. 4 Thompson Valley will play No. 13 Longmont, No. 5 Niwot will play No. 12 Dakota Ridge, No. 6 Air Academy will play No. 11 Ponderosa, No. 7 Palmer Ridge will take on No. 10 Denver South and No. 8 Evergreen will play No. 9 Discovery Canyon.

“Playing a strong team like Cheyenne Mountain is great preparation for regionals, and our team needs a good challenge,” Tarshis said. “I’m excited to see us raise our level of play for this competition.”

The tournament’s quarterfinals are scheduled for Friday, followed by the semifinals on May 9 and the championship on May 16. The team dual tournament is single elimination.

In the traditional state tournament, which is still scheduled for May 11-13, players have to qualify for state in their individual positions, so entire rosters rarely get to compete at state.

“I am incredibly thrilled to be included in the top 16 teams this year,” said Juliet DiGiacomo. “Everyone on our team has worked incredibly hard to deserve this ranking. (Today), we have to play a very strong and decorated team, but we are trying to very hard to stay indifferent and confident. No matter the results, the trip will be well worth it for the practice, exposure and hopefully a big win.”