Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — The Steamboat Springs High School girls tennis team bounced back in a big way Saturday.

After losing for the first time of the season Friday to Fossil Ridge, the Sailors wrapped up a weekend of home matches by beating Poudre High School, winning five of the day’s seven matches.

“As a team, we played a lot more aggressive,” Steamboat coach John Aragon said. “We came out and played with a purpose, and we didn’t do that” Friday.

As has become the norm, Christi Valicenti at No. 1 singles led the way for the squad. Valicenti was making quick work of her opponent, Poudre’s Kwynn Ecton, when she rolled her ankle. Valicenti had it taped up, however, and went right back to work, winning two final games to close out a 6-1, 6-1 victory.

“Oh my gosh,” Aragon said. “She beat two very solid girls this weekend.”

Steamboat also got a win at No. 3 singles, where Claire Parsons won to stay perfect at that level.

The Sailors got wins from their top three doubles teams, as well. The No. 1 doubles squad of Lauren Siegel and Ali Diehl took a tough first set, paving the way for a two-set victory. Rachel Grubbs and Alli Lowrie rolled at No. 3 doubles, winning, 6-1, 6-3.

Kaitie Briesch and Ellie Bender won Steamboat’s closest match of the day after their Poudre opponents forced a third set. The Steamboat pair was overpowering, however, and took the third set, 6-2.

“We were more aggressive,” Briesch said. “We were shifting into the middle of the court. We didn’t do as much of that in the second set.”

Steamboat picked up a loss at No. 2 singles when Rachelle Steele-Cerone retired from her match with an injured wrist.

The No. 4 doubles team of Summer Smalley and Brooke Metzler also lost, falling in three sets.

“Those two girls, they battled. All of our doubles teams played much better,” Aragon said. “We played together. The partners were working hard.”

“We came out Friday, and they took the net from us, and we let them have it. This team tried to do the same thing, but we didn’t let them have it. We battled them, and that made the difference.”

Steamboat Springs High School girls tennis results

Steamboat 5, Poudre 2

■ No. 1 singles

Steamboat’s Christi Valicenti def. Kwynn Ecton, 6-1, 6-1

■ No. 2 singles

Poudre’s Felicia Powers def. Rachelle Steele-Cerone, retired

■ No. 3 singles

Steamboat’s Claire Parsons def. Kayl Ecton, 7-5, 6-2

■ No. 1 doubles

Steamboat’s Lauren Siegel and Ali Diehl def. Brook Santangelo and Rachel Lieurance, 7-5, 6-2

■ No. 2 doubles

Steamboat’s Kaitie Briesch and Ellie Bender def. Jessica Addington and Milica Notros 6-4, 4-6, 6-2

■ No. 3 doubles

Steamboat’s Rachel Grubbs and Alli Lowrie def. Lauren Peterson and Jordan Powers, 6-1, 6-3

■ No. 4 doubles

Poudre’s Sierra Crumbaker and Katalin Kenney def. Summer Smalley and Brooke Metzler, 3-6, 6-2, 6-3

To reach Joel Reichenberger, call 970-871-4253 or email jreichenberger@SteamboatToday.com