UPDATE: In a dramatic conclusion to the state championship, Peak to Peak’s standout tennis players, Vivaan Bhardwaj and Shreyas Sundaresan, finished as runners-up in the Class 4A state finals held at Pueblo City Park on July 15, 2023. Both players fought valiantly but were ultimately defeated in their respective singles matches, marking an end to a stellar season.
Vivaan Bhardwaj, a senior, faced a formidable opponent in Nithesh Karuppasamy from D’Evelyn, losing in a fierce match that saw him unable to score a single game after a promising start. “I came into the tournament with confidence,” Bhardwaj stated. “I think my experience in high-pressure situations really prepared me.” Despite his loss, his performance throughout the season has made him a player to watch for in future tournaments.
Meanwhile, Shreyas Sundaresan battled against Oliver Neely from Colorado Academy, narrowly losing both sets 7-5, 7-5. Earlier in the week, Sundaresan had also faced Neely in a semifinal match that ended with a tie-breaker. “My strategy was to attack his backhand, and it worked until I was up 5-1, but he adapted quickly,” Sundaresan explained. His resilience and determination highlight the competitive spirit of the Pumas.
The Pumas had an impressive showing at the 4A state tournament, with most of their lines qualifying. Freshman Cody Palmer finished fourth in singles, while doubles teams Dmitri Zaronias/Noah Swartz and Adi Gaur/Anders Todd also showcased their skills, winning multiple matches. Head coach Matt Palmer expressed pride in his team’s performance, emphasizing the valuable experience gained this season. “Cody’s fourth-place finish is a significant accomplishment for a freshman,” Palmer noted. “We have a strong base of returning players that will only get better.”
This year’s tournament also highlighted the talent of local players across various schools. In Class 5A, Fairview’s Luke Treleaven finished fourth, while several other competitors from Monarch and Broomfield saw action but did not advance far.
As the season wraps up, the Pumas are already looking ahead to next year. The experience gained from facing tough opponents will undoubtedly aid in their development. “We have a lot of promising players who will return next season,” Coach Palmer added. “This has been an invaluable learning experience.”
With the state tournament concluded, all eyes will be on the Pumas as they prepare for another competitive season, aiming to build on this year’s successes and learn from their close finishes in the state finals. Expect further updates as the team gears up for the next season, which promises to bring even more excitement and fierce competition.
