Fruita Monument has had the Durango High School girls tennis team’s number in recent years.
On Friday, DHS put an end to the Wildcats’ winning streak, beating Fruita on its home courts in Grand Junction 5-2. Durango’s JV also won six of six doubles matches against Fruita.
“Friday was a big day for our program,” said DHS head coach Darren Tarshis. “It was the first time we’ve beat Fruita in the past decade, and possibly the first time ever. The depth in our lineup, and all of the work many of our varsity players put in at tournaments and practicing in the off season is paying off. If we can keep improving each week and incorporating those improvements into our match play, this team will be a real threat in our region and league this season.”
The Demons followed up the win against Fruita by beating Delta 7-0 on Saturday.
Against the Wildcats, Ellie Davenport lost an extended battle at No. 1 singles, 6-4, 1-6, 6-7(5).
Adwyn Chowen and Jordan Kitchens, however, both won their singles matches in straight sets. Chowen won 6-2, 6-1 at No 2 singles and Kitchens won 6-3, 6-2 at No. 3 singles.
Only one of the doubles matches was decided in two straight sets, with Fruita claiming a 6-0, 6-3 win at the No. 4 position.
Ellie McClean and Juliet DiGiacomo won 6-4, 3-6 and 6-4 at No. 1 doubles.
“On Friday I thought as a team we played well,” McLean, one of DHS’ co-captains, said. “I’m proud of us for winning, especially after taking a couple of weeks off of competition matches.”
At No. 2 doubles, Lola Bradshaw and Sydney Pritchard emerged with a 6-3, 7-6(4) win.
Avery Edgar and Rachel Ager then finished their match at No. 3 doubles strong to pull out a 6-4, 3-6, 6-0 win.
The Demons carried the momentum into their game against Delta on Saturday and shut out the Panthers.
Davenport scored a 6-1, 6-1 win at No. 1 singles.
“This weekend showed the strength and resiliency of our team,” Davenport said. “I am very proud of everybody and am lucky to compete with them. Not only did we have the results we wanted, but we were also able to practice our skills and improve.”
Chowen shut out her opponent at No. 2 singles, 6-0, 6-0.
Kitchens won 6-1, 6-1 at No. 3 singles. McClean and DiGiacomo lost their first set, 6-4, but rallied and won 6-0 (10-4) to take their match.
“We were very resilient and came back after losing the first set,” McLean said. “Overall, the team played great this weekend. I’m proud of our wins and sportsmanship.”
Bradshaw and Pritchard won 6-2, 6-1 at No. 2 doubles. Edgar and Ager won 6-1, 6-1 at No. 3 doubles.
At No. 4 doubles, Litzy Lopez and Addie Cady won 6-0, 6-3.
Next, DHS is scheduled to head to Pueblo to take on Pueblo West on Thursday and then compete in the Pueblo South Invite on Saturday.
