Coronado set for next step

The Cougars, Sunrise Region tennis champions each of the past five years, haven’t captured a state title since 2003.

“Our kids have worked as hard as the other three teams,” Coronado coach Bob Clements said. ”It’s a mental game from here on out.”

The Cougars (14-1) will face Reno (13-0) in one semifinal at 11 a.m. today at the Darling Tennis Center.

Defending state champion Bishop Gorman (14-0) will meet Del Sol (13-3) in the other semifinal. The two winners return Friday to vie for the state title.

In the boys tournament, Coronado (12-3) meets Bonanza (14-2) in one semifinal at 8 a.m. Defending champion Palo Verde (17-0) takes on Galena (13-0) in the other semifinal.

Coronado’s girls lost an 11-7 decision to Gorman in last year’s title match.

“It has definitely made us hungrier,” Cougars senior Gabriella Jannotta said.

Coronado advanced to the state semifinals by beating Del Sol 12-6 in the regional final.

“Anybody who takes second always wants to improve and wants to take first,” Clements said.

The Cougars have a balanced starting nine, comprising three seniors, three juniors, a sophomore and two freshmen. The team has no glaring weakness.

“Three-quarters of our team was in that state final last year,” Clements said. “You just have to trust what you went with all year.”

Jannotta, classmate Paige Johaniessen and freshman Chrissy Uriarte have distinguished themselves in singles.

In doubles, the Cougars lean on the teams of junior Jordan Bruy and sophomore Jordan Luna, and senior Bea Kamoen and freshman Maja Banas. Hillary Johnson, a junior, and senior Katy Gardner also contribute.

“We’re working harder to make our team stronger in doubles,” Kamoen said.

The Cougars’ lone loss this season was an 11-7 setback to Gorman, which advanced by winning the Sunset Region title over Palo Verde.

“As a team, we focus on (the state title), but when we play our individual matches, we’re focused on ourselves and trying to improve,” Jannotta said.

Still, the Coronado seniors are looking to make their final year even more memorable.

“It’s our senior year,” Kamoen said. “We need to win.”

The individual state tournament gets under way at 2 p.m. Friday at the Darling Center.

Canyon Springs junior Stan Breland tries to retain his state title in boys singles. Palo Verde junior Brandon Parker, a two-time champion in doubles, is in the singles draw.

Silverado sophomores Kristen Santero and Nicole Santero, the runner-up team in girls doubles, also are back.

Palo Verde’s Spencer Aguiar, who was part of the runner-up doubles team last year, is in the boys doubles draw.