'Stangs ride the RV tourney and take 3rd

 

ARVADA -- In this blur of a Season A and with all of its limitations, Mullen managed to participate in a multi-team tournament on Friday and Saturday.

And the Mustangs fared well.

Behind Mac Caldwell’s championship at No. 1 singles, Mullen finished tied for third place as a team in the Ralston Valley Invitational held at Apex Tennis Center.

Overall, the Mustangs added a runner-up, four fourths and a fifth.

Caldwell won five matches over the two days, all in straight sets, including a tight 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 match in the finale.

He had lots of help as the Mustangs’ depth was apparent, an aspect they hope will be a boost to their postseason hopes.

At No. 2 doubles, Luc Caldwell-Alex Evans won a tough semifinals match 2-6, 7-5 (10-6) before falling in the final 6-4, 6-0.

Sophomore Jack Barker (No. 3 singles), Dante Dino-Greg McMullan (No. 1 doubles), Luc Caldwell-Alex Evans (No. 3 doubles) and Sean Phelps-Blake Zaragoza (No. 4 doubles) each made the semifinals and No. 2 singles George Henry Hanzel battled back to take fifth.

The Mustangs tied with host Ralston Valley (35 points) for third behind regular Class 5A powers Valor Christian (47) and Regis Jesuit (46).

Mullen has its final dual meet of 2020 on Monday (Sept. 14), home against Colorado Academy, 3:45 p.m. at Pinehurst Club.

The Mustangs will follow by beginning the school year’s first postseason gathering, hosting 4A Region 3. They will join Conifer, Discovery Canyon, Evergreen, Littleton, Northfield and George Washington.

First serves will be at 8 a.m.

 

Team scores – Valor Christian 47, Regis Jesuit 46, Mullen and Ralston Valley 35, Denver East 25, Heritage 17, D’Evelyn 10, Mountain Vista 8.

No. 1 singles – Mac Caldwell def. J. Sherer, Valor Christian, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4, to finish first.

No. 2 singles – George Henry Hanzel def. X. Larsen, Mountain Vista, 6-1, 6-1, to finish fifth.

No. 3 singles – Jack Barker lost to R. Lowe, Ralston Valley, 7-5, 6-2, to finish fourth.

No. 1 doubles – Dante Dino-Greg McMullan lost to Hoyer-Campbell, Ralston Valley, 6-3, 6-2, to finish fourth.

No. 2 doubles – Luc Caldwell-Alex Evans lost to Carbone-Lynch, Regis Jesuit, 6-4, 6-0, to finish second.

No. 3 doubles – Patrick Duke-Tommy DeNezza lost to Crum-Zieper, Heritage, 4-6, 6-3 (10-5), to finish fourth.

No. 4 doubles – Sean Phelps-Blake Zaragoza lost to Jessen-Lundberg, Heritage, 6-1, 7-6 (7-5), to finish fourth.