PUEBLO — Placing fifth in the Class 4A state tennis tournament would be a monumental achievement for some schools. Not for Cheyenne Mountain.
The Indians have a program in which excellence is expected, as evident in their 13 state championships, the last one coming in 2007.
“I think the biggest thing with our team last year was that we only had two returners who played at state,” veteran Cheyenne Mountain coach Dave Adams said. “This season we had eight girls with state experience back.”
The Indians took a small step toward reclaiming glory Thursday in the opening day of the state tournament at the City Park Tennis Complex.
Cheyenne Mountain advanced players from six of the seven brackets into the semifinals and claimed the team lead with 13 points.
“It’s always easy to be greedy, and I wish we would’ve moved players in all seven brackets to the semis,” Adams said. “We’re also not kidding ourselves. There are a lot of teams right behind us.”
Greeley West and Regis, which both have 10 points, advanced five to the semifinals. Defending state champion Niwot, which was depleted by graduation, is in a four-way tie for eighth place with three points.
“We had a good day (Thursday), and it would mean a lot to us if we could win state again,” said Cheyenne Mountain sophomore Emily Venner (No. 3 singles). “We just need to stay focused out there and not get ahead of ourselves.”
The biggest surprise came at No. 1 singles, where unheralded Jessika Mozia of Colorado Academy defeated Clarke Tatje of Fountain Valley 6-3, 6-7 (0), 7-6 (2). Tatje, a senior, finished second at state a year ago at No. 1 singles.
“I didn’t think playing at this (state) tournament was different than playing at any other tournament,” Mozia said. “I was getting down on myself for a little while out there, but once I woke up I did a lot better.”
