Palo Verde, Coronado reach state final

Palo Verde's boys tennis team was originally scheduled to host Coronado on Sept. 4, but the regular-season showdown was called off because of rain.

The Panthers and Cougars will finally get a chance to play each other today with a state title up for grabs.

Palo Verde defeated Reno 13-5 in a Class 4A state semifinal Thursday at Darling Tennis Center.

The Panthers (14-0), who play Coronado (13-0) at 11 a.m. today, will be gunning for their fourth title in six seasons after winning in 2004, 2006 and 2007.

"It's very exciting," Palo Verde coach Zach Brandt said. "Some of the guys that are seniors didn't have a chance to play in '06 or '07. They're finally having a chance to contribute and play. It's nice to see those guys work all the way up to this point."

Palo Verde's Fernando Sunago went 2-0 in singles, and Ozzy Abraham was 2-1.

"The biggest key was in singles," Brandt said. "That first round was very important because we got five points.

"In the semifinals in state, you're usually lucky to get out with three in the first round and squeak by in the second."

The Panthers also had strong doubles performances. Zach Bellon and Dillon Casey went 3-0, Pascal Nilsson and Tanner Berkabile 2-0 and Christian Clark and Jeremy Mann 2-1.

"It feels good," Berkabile said of reaching the state final. "We've got to go out there and play and make our shots."

Coronado did its part to set up the showdown by edging Centennial, 10-8.

Mitchell Smith went 3-0 in singles, and Marc Feldman and Michael Seitz were 3-0 in doubles to help the Cougars.

Mathew Dees went 2-1 in singles for Coronado, which also got a 2-1 performance in doubles from Justen English and Xavier Smith.

Patrick Bolton and Travis Beck went 2-1 in doubles to lead Centennial (12-3).

GIRLS

Only last year, Liberty's girls tennis team missed the playoffs with a 4-4 record in the Southeast League.

Today, the Patriots will play for the first state championship in program history.

Liberty (17-0) downed Reno 14-4 in a semifinal and will face four-time defending state champion Bishop Gorman (16-0) for the title at 11 a.m. today at Darling.

"We've talked all season about not only representing our team, but representing our school," Liberty coach Kih Gourrier said. "It's not just a big victory for us, but for Liberty High School to start to build an athletic program."

Liberty singles players Danae Ingwaldson, Sarah Lucas and Aphrah Brokaw all went 3-0.

Ingwaldson, a junior, said the Patriots realized during the season they were capable of reaching the state final.

"Last year, I didn't think we would be able to," said Ingwaldson, who surrendered only three games in her three sets. "But this year, through the course of the season, I thought we could because we've improved a lot. We have a lot of good freshmen, and our seniors have improved a lot."

In doubles, Liberty's Ashley Wao-Udin and Valerie Nesenhoener went 3-0, and Riki Aquino and Marlee Moi Moi were 2-1.

Gorman routed Coronado 14-4 behind 3-0 efforts in singles from Sarah Bessen and Taylor Larreau.

Anita Lee was 2-0 in singles for Gorman. In doubles, the Gaels' Michelle Shoen and Amanda Silvestri went 3-0, and Blair Bigelow and Michaele Sullivan were 2-1.

Contact reporter Tristan Aird at taird@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203.