Chatfield Girl's Tennis Team Wins Western Slope Invitational

For most students, spring break is a time to unwind and relax after a long, cold winter of studying and working hard. The Chatfield Senior High girl's tennis team used their spring break to work on improving their tennis skills by winning the prestigious Western Slope Invitational Tennis Tournament, March 28 -29, in Grand Junction, Colorado. Only the best teams in the state are invited to this tournament and on Saturday, the Lady Chargers (238pts) proved they are one of the best teams in the state by edging out Greeley West (230Pts), Steamboat Springs (220pts), and Grand Junction (186pts) for the coveted championship plaque.

Chatfield won the team title by winning 5 out of 6 matches on championship Saturday. Kelley Pickens and Melissa LeMar at #1 doubles won the only championship for the Chargers by defeating the Grand Junction's duo of Alyssa Behrens/Audrey Keenan 6-1,6-0. However, Chatfield players placed second, third or fourth in five other positions. At #2 singles, Lindsey Sanders played a close match against Shelby Reed of Steamboat but lost 7-5. 6-1 for second place. #1 singles, Kelsey Brading def. Mattison Sperry, Greeley West 6-4,6-4. for third place. Chatfield's #3 singles, Ashley Sanders defeated Lauren Musso, Denver East 6-2.6-2 for a third place finish. Additionally, both the #2 and #3 doubles teams of Sarah Layman/Molly Reynolds and Ali Grush/ Jackie Hay won their matches on Saturday and won third place. Finally, CSH #4 doubles team of Kimberly Arfsten and Maddie Wiebe won fifth place. Chatfield tennis coach Jeni Weimer summed it up by saying, "One extra degree (of believing, effort, etc.) makes all the difference...it separates the good from the great."

Chatfield showed the depth of its squad by winning the championship without the help of last year's starters Dani Lutes, Sara Plamer and Anna Gleave who were hurt or unavailable to play. The Charger's next home match is April 8 th vs. Green Mtn.