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The Steamboat Springs High School girls tennis team will have a nearly full roster at the state championship meet after advancing 10 girls and picking up five regional championships Friday in Delta.

Steamboat got regional championships from Claire Parsons at No. 3 singles, Kylee Swiggart and Sara Bearss at No. 1 doubles, Mandy Thielemann and Hayley Richman at No. 2 doubles, Christi Valicenti and Kaitie Breisch at No. 3 doubles and Ali Diehl and Lauren Siegel at No. 4 doubles.

With all the wins, Steamboat easily earned its fifth straight regional title with 83 points. Vail was second with 40, Montrose third with 35, and Aspen and Delta tied for fourth with 31.

No. 2 singles player Valerie Lezin also advanced to state despite falling in the finals. Shelby Reed - the Sailors' No. 1 singles player - won her third-place match Friday but didn't get a chance for a playback match after the girl she lost to in the semifinals lost in Friday's finals.

"It's great to get that many to go, but we were hoping Shelby Reed would be one of them," Steamboat coach John Aragon said about Reed, who missed most of the year with a balky back. "It didn't happen for her, but she really is a class act. It hurt, but she gave (her) best effort and really supported her teammates. She just had a great attitude."

Except for Valicenti, Diehl and Siegel, all of the other Steamboat players have been to the state tournament before.

The tournament begins on Thursday and runs through Saturday in Pueblo. Even with a little less experience at some positions, Steamboat should be in a good position to do well.

"I think our team can surprise a lot of people and do very well," assistant coach Don Toy said. "They do work very hard. I'm expecting a good strong showing at state."

Steamboat will practice Monday and Tuesday before leaving for Pueblo on Wednesday. Aragon said he sees several girls with the potential to medal at state. It all depends, he said, on how hard the team is willing to work.

"I do thinks some kids can medal down there," Aragon said. "We're looking forward to be down there. I'm going to tell them 'there are not a lot of players that get here, you're some of the lucky few so, make it count.' They have to play hard and leave the best effort on the court."

- To reach Luke Graham, call 871-4229 or e-mail lgraham@steamboatpilot.com