Niwot Cougars dominate at girls tennis regionals

The Niwot High School girls tennis players showcased their exceptional talent and determination at last week's regional championships, with five of their seven positions claiming regional titles. The impressive showing took place on Wednesday, April 30, and Thursday, May 1, with the Cougars overpowering competitors from several area schools.

Junior Saha Kolli, competing at No. 1 Singles, delivered a commanding performance against a Standley Lake High School opponent, winning 6-0, 6-1, followed by a win over Centaurus High School’s No. 1, 6-0, 6-0, in the semifinals, and Silver Creek High School’s top player on Thursday, winning decisively with scores of 6-1, 6-1. Her consistent play throughout the tournament secured her the regional championship in the top singles position.

While No. 2 Singles player Isabelle DiCorleto fought valiantly, she faced a tough opponent from Silver Creek, falling 6-2, 6-4, on Wednesday.

At No. 3 Singles, Hazel Awsumb demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout the tournament. After winning both her matches against Monarch High School and Centaurus opponents on Wednesday, Awsumb encountered adversity on Thursday. In a hard-fought contest against Longmont High School’s No. 2, she lost both sets 6-1, 6-1. The loss to Longmont placed her second overall in the No. 3 Singles category.

Niwot's doubles teams proved virtually unstoppable, with all four pairs capturing regional championships.

The No. 1 Doubles team of Samantha Zacky and Anne Haley overwhelmed their competition, defeating Centaurus opponents 6-1, 6-1, and Stanley Lake’s top doubles duo, 6-1, 6-2, on Wednesday. They continued their dominance on Thursday with a 6-2, 6-1, victory over Longmont’s No. 1 Doubles team.

At No. 2 Doubles, Hannah Nelson and Jordan Rutkowski secured wins against Stanley Lake and Silver Creek opponents on Wednesday before defeating Monarch’s No. 2 Doubles 6-4, 6-4, on Thursday to claim their regional title.

The No. 3 Doubles pair of Emory Rich and Eliana Spiridellis displayed consistency and skill, defeating opponents from Stanley Lake 6-2, 6-2, and edging out Silver Creek’s No. 3 duo, 7-6, 7-5, on Wednesday. They followed with a solid 6-2, 6-4 win against Longmont’s No. 3 Doubles on Thursday.

Perhaps the most dramatic story came from the No. 4 Doubles team of Amy Calderon and Nina Richards. After a first round bye, they faced a challenge from Silver Creek. The Niwot duo won the first set 6-2, narrowly lost the second in a tiebreaker 7-6, but rebounded emphatically to take the deciding set 6-1. On day two, Calderon and Richards sealed their championship with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Monarch’s No. 4 Doubles duo.

With five regional championships and one runner-up finish, the Niwot Cougars have positioned themselves as serious contenders heading into the Class 4A state tournament. The team's exceptional depth, with strength across both singles and doubles positions, makes them a formidable opponent.

For full results, visit the 2025 Girls Tennis Class 4A Region 5 Tournament page. The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) state tennis tournament is scheduled Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10, where the Cougars will look to continue their winning ways against the best teams from across the state.