The Steamboat Pilot & Today

All things considered, Steamboat Springs High School tennis coach John Aragon was very pleased with his team’s performance in the final day of the Western Slope Invitational in Grand Junction.

Understanding that the tournament brought more than 15 of the top tennis programs from around the state together, Aragon said he was happy with the Sailors’ fifth-place finish.

“We made the top five,” Aragon said. “I thought we were going to move up, but we lost a couple of close matches against worthy opponents. Our goal was to come to this and compete well and at least be in the top five. We’re young, but we played well.”

Steamboat was able to place several individuals and teams onto the podium.

All three singles players finished in the top five, including fourth-place finishes from No. 2 singles player Keegan Burger and No. 3 singles player Jeff Lambart.

No. 1 singles player Jamey Swiggart lost to the eventual champion from Heritage but finished undefeated for the rest of the tournament in fifth.

On the doubles side, the No. 1 doubles team of Jack Burger and Charlie Smith finished fifth and the No. 3 doubles team of Zach Valicenti and Ben Paley finished sixth.

While the No. 2 doubles team of Mirko Erspamer and Max Roder and the No. 4 doubles team of Alex Gibbs and Vladen Chase didn’t place, Aragon said he was happy with the way they played.

“It was really helpful for these kids to see where they’re at, see some things they have to do to compete with these top programs,” said Aragon.

Cherry Creek finished first, Fairview finished second, Heri­tage finished fourth and Cherry Creek’s varsity two team finished fourth.

Steamboat softball falls twice in Eagle Valley

The Steamboat Springs High School softball team dropped two games Saturday at the Eagle Valley Tournament.

Steamboat fell, 19-2, to Bas­alt and, 16-1, against Grand Junction High School’s junior varsity.

Sailors coach Dan Swanson said he saw improvement each day of the three-day tournament, but Steamboat still has a ways to go.

“As a team, (we’re improving) with our defense and making contact with the ball,” Swanson said. “It’s just our pitchers are just having a tough time getting the ball across the plate. But we’re working hard, and it’s coming along.”