The Durango High School boys tennis team’s home dual with Grand Junction Central wasn’t decided until the final match Saturday. Central, however, was able to win a close match at No. 4 doubles to snap a 3-3 tie and win 4-3.
“I was really pleased,” said DHS head coach Dan Zalbowitz. “We got some positive momentum, and we’re playing better than we have all season.”
Three of Durango’s four seniors won their final matches on their home courts.
Leo Striticus overcame a hurt shoulder and had to serve underhand, but he won his match at No. 3 singles, 6-0, 6-3.
“It feels so great,” he said. “It’s good to end with a win.”
He said serving was more about getting the ball in play to start a rally on Saturday while he had to make several other adjustments. “I had to change my game plan and get to the net faster,” Striticus said.
At No. 1 doubles, Leo’s twin, Hays Striticus, and Tanner Coddington also prevailed on senior night 6-3, 6-3.
Senior Sam Fontenot and Brady Hoerl came up just shot at No. 4 doubles, 6-3, 7-5.
“It was great to see the three of the four seniors win in their last home match,” Zalbowitz said. “They have (shown) really strong leadership and commitment and have been really positive helping the younger kids gain good experience.”
Durango’s other win on Saturday came at No. 3 doubles, where Aeneas McBrayer and Truman Hughes won 6-4, 1-6, 10-7.
“I was really happy to see No. 3 doubles win in their tiebreaker,” Zalbowitz said. “Hopefully they can carry that momentum into regionals.”
Nate Claassen played some of his best tennis of the year at No. 1 singles and won his first set 6-4. After dropping the second set 6-2, however, Claassen lost the tiebreake, 10-6.
“That one could have gone either way,” the coach said.
At. No. 2 singles, Will Benac fell 6-1, 6-1.
Andre Craig and Thomas Malone also lost at No. 2 doubles, 6-4, 6-1.
The coach, however, said he was pleased with what he saw.
“Everybody is playing better,” Zalbowitz said. “A lot of it is we’re more confident with more matches under our belts.”
“I think a lot of the guys are playing their best tennis,” Leo Striticus said. “We have a young team, so it’s cool to see everyone getting in their groove.”
DHS will next compete in the regional championships Oct. 6-7 at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.
“In general, I’m really pleased how the team has come along and stayed positive,” Zalbowitz said. “I’m optimistic heading into (regionals).”
