All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
Niwot girls tennis team before round 1 of the state tournament. (Left to right): Amy Calderon, Nina Richards, Emory Rich, Eliana Spirdellis, Jordan Rutkowski, Hannah Nelson, Samantha Zacky, Masha Oshmyan, Anne Haley, Magnolia Valentine, and Saha Kolli.
Doubles partners Samantha Zacky and Magnolia Valentine congratulate each other in between serves in a match against Air Academy High School on April 25.
The Niwot High School girls tennis team had a full schedule last week, competing in two important matches in the Colorado team state tournament. On Wednesday, April 23, Niwot faced Thompson Valley High School and earned a 4-3 win to advance. On Friday, April 25, the team played Air Academy High School, falling 5-2 to end their run in the team state tournament.
In the first match against Thompson Valley, Niwot made use of home-court advantage. At No. 1 Singles, junior Saha Kolli secured a quick win over Miranda Spooner, 6-0, 6-1. Seniors Anne Haley and Samantha Zacky added another point with a 6-1, 6-1 win at No. 1 Doubles.
Niwot's No. 3 Doubles team of sophomore Emory Rich and junior Eliana Spiridellis also contributed to the team score, winning 6-3, 6-2. At No. 4 Doubles, sophomore Amy Calderon and sophomore Nina Richards defeated their opponents 6-4, 6-2, to help Niwot clinch the overall team victory.
Team Captain Maggie Valentine pointed to the team's mindset as an important factor in their win. "I think we were all very excited about participating in the first round of state against Thompson Valley and all really wanted to make it to the next round," Valentine said. "I also think that we were feeling confident because we were the higher seed and had home court advantage."
After the win, Niwot advanced to face Air Academy, a team that presented more challenges. At No. 1 Singles, Kolli continued her strong play, defeating Ava Martin 6-0, 6-0. Valentine and Zacky fought through a tough match at No. 1 Doubles, winning 4-6, 6-4, 7-5, to secure Niwot's second point of the day.
The rest of the matches, however, went in Air Academy's favor. Sophomore Hazel Awsumb fell 6-0, 6-1 at No. 2 Singles. Senior Masha Oshmyan was defeated 6-3, 6-4 at No. 3 Singles. Niwot's doubles teams in the No. 2, 3, and 4 spots also came up short, despite close sets, leaving the final team score at 5-2.
Valentine noted the shift in competition level. "There was definitely a lot more pressure on [the Air Academy] match. The team we played was also definitely a higher level and overall stronger team," she said.
The loss ended Niwot's run in the team portion of the state tournament. Reflecting on the outcome, Valentine said the focus was on recognizing the effort players put in, even if the results weren't what they hoped for. "It really just helps to remind the team that everyone fought really hard. No one gave up and we gave it our all."
Valentine also emphasized the importance of consistency throughout the season. "Even though tennis is an individual sport, we can't get a win without the whole team," she said. "We just have to stay consistent and keep showing up to practice and most importantly having fun."
Looking ahead, Niwot players will now prepare for the upcoming regional tournament. Valentine believes the team is ready to move forward. "We just have to think about what we need to work on and what's going well and the team will do amazing."
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