Fairview’s Amber Shen and Mountain Vista’s Casey Zhong grew up together and share a passion for tennis.
Monday, they rolled to victories at No. 1 singles in the Class 5A girls state tournament at the Gates Tennis Center.
Zhong, a sophomore, swept Horizon senior Abby Wohlford (6-0, 6-1) in the first round before defeating Douglas County junior Clara Larson in the quarterfinals in a three-set battle (6-2, 3-6, 6-2). Shen, a freshman, swept Pine Creek junior Ally Bellas 6-0, 6-1 before defeating Ralston Valley senior Bella Melena 6-3, 6-0.
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Monday’s performances set up a Tuesday meeting of the lifelong friends in the state semifinals. They also happen to be sectional doubles partners.
“Our parents were friends before we were even born, so we pretty much grew up together,” Zhong said. “And she’s the reason why I started playing tennis.”
“I know Amber has beat Casey every time they’ve played, but Amber says she’s a tough match,” Fairview coach Danny McCarthy said.
The toughest competitor of the Class 5A tournament, however, is Cherry Creek junior who transferred from Cheyenne Mountain last year. Hall ruled No. 1 singles in the 2013 and 2014 Class 4A tournaments and is looking for her third state championship.
Hall powered her way past Arapahoe junior Mackenzie Jones in the first round, winning 6-0, 6-1, then swept Poudre freshman Ky Ecton in the quarterfinals (6-0, 6-0).
Hall plays Mountain Range junior Kristen Kirby in the semifinals Tuesday.
“I know who I’m playing,” Kirby said. “I know she’s won two state championships.”
Cherry Creek leads the team race with 21 points. But Fairview — in second place with 16 points — also is well represented at the tournament, having sent 11 players. Fairview lost only its No. 4 doubles team Monday.
“It’s kind of nice to be up there with Creek and (competing),” McCarthy said. “And maybe this year we can knock them off.”
They may get a chance to meet in a final match. If Shen defeats Zhong and Hall wins her match, both will face off for the No. 1 singles crown. The teams could also meet in the No. 2 and No. 3 singles finals as well as the No. 2 and No. 3 doubles finals.
Morgan Dzakowic: 303-954-1275, mdzakowic@denverpost.com or twitter.com/morgandzak
