The shifts in the landscape of girls tennis have been minor over the past decade, and once again Cherry Creek returns as the heavy favorite in Class 5A, and Kent Denver and Cheyenne Mountain lead the way in 4A.
The Bruins have won 13 of the past 14 state titles, and they bring back an experienced and talented group.
As for Kent Denver, coach Gay West said this will be a year when she has to find new faces to fill some positions, after graduating five seniors. But reconstruction for the Sun Devils is not the same thing as for most programs.
“This is a big rebuilding year. We will be as good as we can be and see what happens,” West said. “We’ve been stable the last four or five years, but we had a rebuilding year in 1999 and we were surprised when we won the state championship then.”
The Class 5A and 4A state championships will be decided May 11-13 at different sites.
Kent Denver senior Lauren Miller, who is considered the best field hockey player in the state, will return for a shot at a fourth state title, this time at No. 1 singles after winning three straight at No. 2.
Cheyenne Mountain took a hit with graduation as well, but junior Casey Wetzig is back after winning a title at No. 3 singles last season.
Niwot returns seven state qualifiers and 10 varsity starters, and Holy Family brings back a solid group with an eye on qualifying for the state tournament.
Cherry Creek won titles in six of the seven positions last season, and this season could play out in similar fashion. Sophomore Elizabeth Marsico won the No. 3 singles title and will look to move up to the top position.
The early favorite in 5A is Lewis-Palmer’s Christin Thompson, who finished second to Air Academy’s Tabatha Knop, who now plays for the University of Northern Colorado.
“I always start with Cherry Creek and go down from there. They are pretty amazing. But Air Academy should still be strong, and Grand Junction is another team to look at,” Ponderosa coach Lisa Pulk said.
5A
TOP FIVE
1. Cherry Creek
2. Air Academy
3. Chatfield
4. Grand Junction
5. Fort Collins
4A
TOP FIVE
1. Kent Denver
2. Cheyenne Mtn.
3. Mullen
4. Pine Creek
5. Greeley West
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Stacey Berlinger, Cherry Creek, Jr.
Chelsea Downing, Cherry Creek, Sr.
Delaney Downing, Cherry Creek, So.
Morganne Downing, Cherry Creek, Jr.
Stephanie King, Cheyenne Mountain, So.
Jennah Kitchell, Greeley West, So.
Kara Kochenberger, Greeley Central, Jr.
Rachel Loeb, Cherry Creek, Jr.
Christina Macey, Cherry Creek, Sr.
Elizabeth Marsico, Cherry Creek, So.
Lauren Miller, Kent Denver, Sr.
Breanne Murray, Steamboat Springs, Jr.
Lauren Perkins, Mullen, Sr.
Caitlain Schnell, Cherry Creek, So.
Brooke Shafner, Cherry Creek, Sr.
Julie Swinehart, Cherry Creek, Sr.
Christin Thompson, Lewis-Palmer, Sr.
Casey Wetzig, Cheyenne Mountain, Jr.
Allison Wold, Kent Denver, Sr.
