Spring '19: Mustangs are 90 strong
Numbers are strong.
Weather concerns remain relevant, especially in the early portion of the spring.
It can be even more difficult in girls tennis, where even if the courts are cleared and dry, temperatures affect the bouncing of the ball and wind wreaks havoc. Plus, there will be spring break at the end of the month, so beginning slowly probably is a fact of life.
“It’s just so difficult,” Mullen head coach Jera Sturgell said.
There also are 90 players to account for, Sturgell said, so getting any work done inside also is challenging.
The Mustangs graduated six seniors from last year’s team that finished third in the season-ending meet and advanced their entire group of singles and doubles starters to the Class 4A meet in Pueblo.
Returning at singles are No. 1 Lauren Manwiller and No. 3 Mikayla Phelps. Back at doubles are Jordan Cleary, Megan Sandy and Rebecca Watts.
“All of them finished in the final (in last season’s regionals), but we’re also very excited about the girls coming in,” Sturgell said. “They are a lot stronger than I expected and are shining. I think we have a great chance to do at least as close to what we did last year.”
Defending state champion Niwot and Cheyenne Mountain accounted for all of the seven finals spots (three singles, four doubles) a year ago with Niwot winning five.
Colorado Academy has been added as a dual opponent this season, Sturgell said, as the Mustangs look to further strengthen their program. And a tennis ladder is sorting out the order.
Now, if the weather would just cooperate …
“Once we can get all of the kids on the court, that will help,” Sturgell said.
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