STATE BOYS: Panthers, Cougars set matchup for title
Palo Verde’s boys tennis team was originally scheduled to host Coronado on Sept. 4, but the showdown was called off because of rain.
With no rain in sight, the Panthers and Cougars will finally get a chance to play each other Friday — with a state title on the line.
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., 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 completed its end of the deal by edging Centennial, 10-8, in the other semifinal.
Mitchell Smith went 3-0 in singles, and Marc Feldman and Michael Seitz were 3-0 in doubles for the Cougars.
Mathew Dees went 2-1 in singles for Coronado, which also got a 2-1 doubles performance from Justen English and Xavier Smith.
Patrick Bolton and Travis Beck finished 2-1 in doubles to lead Centennial (12-3).
