It was the last match on their home court for Durango High School tennis seniors Jenna Baker and Mia Boughton. They made sure to go out with a win.
The Demons took down Grand Junction Central 6-1 on Saturday in the seven varsity matches played.
At No. 1 singles, Baker would defeat Mary Beckstead in straight sets 6-2, 6-2 to set the tone for the team.
“Today’s match went as well as one senior could’ve hoped. I am so pleased how everyone immediately came to the match with the strength and confidence of a true girls tennis Demon,” Baker said. “The match against Central was the perfect way for my last senior home game to go. I love the team I am part of and get to lead this year.”
Though it is a short season after all the schedule changes created this school year by the COVID-19 pandemic, Baker said the team has never been closer than this year and that the team is soaking up every moment before quickly approaching regionals.
“From the sock tan lines on our ankles to the skills we’ve gained over the year, our team is composed of women who truly just love to play tennis,” she said.
Behind Baker, DHS senior Mia Boughton also won her match at No. 3 singles, 6-3, 6-0, against Jessica Warner.
At No. 2 singles, Durango sae Elle Davenport earn a 7-5, 7-5 victory against Curtrice Hansen.
“It was nice to see all our singles players come through with straight set wins today, including both our senior captains, Mia and Jenna,” DHS head coach Darren Tarshis said. “Ellie had to battle back from behind in both sets but maintained her composure.”
It was another good day of doubles action for Durango, too. At the top spot, Sydney Pritchard and Amanda Whidden went three sets to beat Ada Hill and Jordan Bauer 1-6, 6-4, 10-5 in the third-set tiebreaker.
At No. 2 doubles, Durango’s Adwyn Chowen and Juliet DiGiacomo would earn a 6-1, 6-3 win against Kaylah Pacheco and Tsifira Berger.
Durango’s No. 4 doubles team of Hazel Cleaves and Ellie Clark beat Caysee Calton and Claire Dziwisz 6-1, 6-4.
The lone DHS loss came at No. 3 doubles, as Litzy Lopez and Addie Cady fell 6-3, 6-4 to the Warriors’ duo of Jennika Quintana and Alexis Wickham.
“Doubles also had a strong showing,” Tarshis said. “We haven’t yet played our full varsity team in a match, but our alternates, Ellie Clark and Litzy Lopez, have stepped up for multiple matches. It’s been an overall impressive week for Durango girls tennis with two varsity wins at home and two junior varsity wins on the road.”
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
