Boys tennis earns historic dual victory

By Neil H. Devlin, Mullen Sports Information Director
Mullen beats Colorado Academy for the first time in several years.
It is getting more real for Mullen boys tennis by the day.

On Tuesday, the local Mustangs beat Colorado Academy 5-2 in a dual meet, their first victory over the rival Mustangs in at least eight seasons.

According to MaxPreps, which goes back to 2012, CA had won the previous seven matches by a combined 49-2. However, officials on site from both programs said they were certain CA’s dominance had extended even longer.

No matter. Mullen head coach Jacob Ohrman said he was thrilled with the victory and it’s part of the program’s progression on what they hope is the way to the top end of Class 4A.

No. 1 singles player Mac Caldwell led Mullen with a 6-2, 6-4 victory and Dante Dino added a 6-0, 7-5 (5) win at No. 3.

Three of the four doubles groups also won, including with some shifting over the first two. Coleman Guthrie-Jack Barker moved up from No. 2 to win at No. 1 and J.P. Starkey, ordinarily at No. 1, moved down to No. 2 after regular teammate Tanner Amman was ill. Starkey teamed with Roman Fresquez. And the No. 4 team of Luc Caldwell-Kevin McGuire grabbed a fifth victory on the day.

Interestingly, Mac Caldwell edged fellow junior George Henry Hanzel for Mullen’s No. 1 spot just before the start of the regular season and the sound competition and working together by the two has proven beneficial all the way around, particularly for the team.

“They guys on the team are all good buds and we all love what we’re doing,” Caldwell said. “(George) is my best friend and we’re both even players.

The (preseason) trials were hard for us, but I eked it out.”

Starkey, too, flourished in the lineup changes as any Mullen combination of 11 seems to embrace versatility.

“Today’s match was good and it’s always good to get a straight-set match (victory) over CA,” said Starkey, who missed most of the lacrosse season in the spring because of injury. “The team atmosphere is the best it has ever been.”

Mullen will host D’Evelyn in a dual on Thursday, Aug. 29, at 3:30 p.m. and participate in a tournament at Air Academy from Friday-Saturday.

“We’re on board, were on track for something good this season,” Mac Caldwell said.
 
Back