San Juan girls tennis continues to improve

by Rhett Sifford
Sports Editor
The San Juan High School girls tennis team has battled hard through their first two weeks, but is still looking for their first win of the season.
They suffered a 5-0 loss to Grand County in Blanding on August 18, a 5-0 loss in Millard this past Tuesday, August 26, and a 6-0 loss in Delta that same day.
The team is young this year, with just one senior in Megan Montella, who plays second singles. Junior Evony Sampson is playing first singles for the Lady Broncos this season with freshman Makayla Shumway playing third singles.
San Juan has junior Sariah Sweeten and sophomore Isha LeValley teaming up in first doubles. Sophomores Tea Whatcott and Lyric Williams are paired in second doubles. And freshmen Brooklyn Black and Breckyn Helquist make up the third doubles team.
San Juan head coach Ciarra Walker, who is in her sixth season, says the team this year is “young and new to varsity matches. Some of them picked up a racket for the first time just one month ago.
“I am proud of the work they have put in to improve themselves and each other during practices and matches,” she continued.
“They have learned from each opponent and have gotten better each time they have played. I am looking forward to the rest of the season.”
The Lady Broncos have just two home matches remaining to close out the regular season, against South Sevier this Thursday, September 4 and Gunnison Valley next Tuesday, September 9.
The Region 18 Championship is set for September 29 in Moab with the 2A Utah State Tennis Tournament October 10-11 at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City.