Delightful surprises spring up everywhere this time of year, and the Durango High School girls tennis team is no different.
The Demons got such fortune when two juniors and two freshman took first place on their respective doubles teams at the Class 4A Region 8 Tournament in Grand Junction.
The dominating performances propelled the teams of freshman Emma Hackett and junior Chloe West, and freshman Lily Chick and junior Ruby DeCora will grace the courts at the Class 4A Colorado High School Activities Assocation State Tennis tournament.
“I was really excited when I learned,” said Hackett, daughter of Dan and Ragan Hackett, and Denise Cleaves. “I’m psyched because I’m a freshman so that’s pretty cool to go to state.”
When doubt covered the Demons earlier in the spring, these ladies remained focused and determined to turn the rare conundrum of starting a year without a coaching staff into a golden season.
Luckily for DHS, head coach Sue Lawton and assistant coach Linda Fitts-Liberman took the reins to save the season. Lawton and Fitts-Liberman also leaned on former coach Dave Weisfeldt for insight. The three were able to duct tape a season together only to see the fruits of their labor come true.
“They’ve done a phenomenal job,” said West, daughter of Christine and John Kitts. “They didn’t have to do it. They did it out of the kindness of their hearts, which made a greater impact on the team because they brought us together not just on the courts, but with team dinners. They made us a close-knit team where we can support each other on and off the courts.”
Hackett and West qualified as the No. 3 doubles team when the duo beat Steamboat Springs 6-3, 6-4 in the regional finals. Hackett and West took down Delta 6-3, 6-4 to open regionals then made quick work of Aspen’s team by beating them easily 6-1, 6-3.
This is West’s second trip in a row to state. Last year, she made the trip with sister, Emily West. The DHS squad has two sets of sisters with the others being Hackett and her sister, Maggie Hackett.
Hackett’s natural athleticism along with West’s height advantage created issues for opposing teams, and the pair hopes to continue that trend at state.
“Emma is so aggressive and Chloe is so tall that they work beautifully together,” said Lawton.
Chick and DeCora picked up a ticket to state as the No. 4 doubles team, as the couple also beat Steamboat Springs in a close match, 7-6, 6-3 at the regional finals. The night before their title match, Chick came down with flu-like symptoms and wasn’t sure if she’d play. Chick mustered up her energy, and like a champion, put Steamboat to rest for good.
“I knew that this season would be tough with some tough competitors in tournaments like Steamboat,” said DeCora, daughter of Dean and Tanya DeCora. “For the most part, I went in with a positive attitude and just tried to do my best.
According to Lawton, the two play perfect together. Chick might be young, but her strong serve and athleticism is a perfect blend to go along with DeCora’s veteran leadership.
DeCora’s nose for the ball brings steady consistency for the Demons, which will be needed in Pueblo.
“We both have very different skills,” said Chick, daughter of Danielle and Kevin Chick. “We have different strengths that evens us out. Ruby hits really good shots down the line and I have a hard serve. Ruby knows what she’s doing, it’s nice when she coaches me and tells me what I need to be doing.”
Each year, singles and doubles players are figured out preseason in what is called laddering. Players are then ranked in accordance to how they did against their teammates. Hackett and West found each other ranked closely to one another and were put down as the Demons No. 3 doubles team.
According to Lawton, Hackett and Chick started the year off the ladder, but worked hard to get a spot despite not being on the same doubles team.
“You can catch those two after practice practicing,” said Lawton of the two freshmen. “That’s how they got themselves on the ladder.”
The Class 4A CHSAA will take place on Thursday at Pueblo with brackets to be released later this week.
jmentzer@durangoherald.com
Behind the Scenes
Lily Chick
What is your favorite outdoor activity: I really like to ski.
What is your favorite book?: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton.
What is your favorite food?: Ice cream is my all-time favorite.
Which teacher has made the greatest impact on your life?: My 8th grade teacher Mrs. May.
Ruby DeCora
What is your favorite restaurant?: The Himalayan Kitchen
What is your dream vacation?: It would be nice to go to Australia or somwehere tropical.
Do you have any hidden talents?: I really like to run a lot.
Which teacher has made the greatest impact on your life?: DHS history teacher Ms. Gozigian.
Chloe West
What is your favorite movie?: I absolutely love ‘Finding Nemo.’
What song is stuck in your head right now?: Sorry by Justin Bieber.
Do you have any pets?: Yes, I have a Bengal cat named Ossie that acts more like a dog, and a chocolate Labrador named Miley.
Which teacher has made the greatest impact on your life?: DHS biology teacher Mr. Jackson.
Emma Hackett
Who is your favorite athlete?: Serena Williams
Do you have a celebrity crush?: Zac Efron
Do you have any nicknames?: My dad calls me Emma-nater.
Which teacher has made the greatest impact on your life?: My middle school teachers: Mrs. May, Miss Schnee and Ms. Romero
