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Both Belen boys’ and girls’ tennis teams qualified for the state championships last year, and the expectation is they can do it again.
While the Eagles may not have a large roster, with 18 competitors evenly split between boys and girls, it does have experience.
“We didn’t lose anybody,” said Chrissy Cordova, BHS coach. “We’re going to go in strong, both boys and girls.”
Ava Fragua and Gabby Jaramillo are back as the Eagles’ top two singles players, and Cordova expects them to make a return trip to state in doubles.
“It’s going to be fun watching them play,” the coach said.
Luke Austin, a state qualifier in singles, will lead the Belen boys, along with Dylan Jaramillo and Julian Sisneros.
“They’re going to shine, and they’re due,” said Cordova.
Belen recently hosted Valencia and Los Lunas in a scrimmage, but the season officially begins Feb. 27-March 1 at a Lovington tournament, followed March 4-6 with the Belen Quad.
The husband-and-wife coaching combo of Matthew and Jennifer Castillo returns, with Jennifer leading VHS and Matthew in charge at LLHS.
Participation took a noticeable jump this season for Los Lunas, with nearly 30 student/athletes staying with the program.
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“I’m hopeful. We have a lot of returners,” Jennifer Castillo said.
The Tigers started practice with 36 players, but a handful dropped out.
“They realized tennis wasn’t as easy as they thought it would be.”
Tiana Griego moves into the No. 1 spot in singles for the girls, followed by Caelynne Johnston.
The Tigers boys’ team is heavy with juniors, led by Alex Covarrubia and Alec Smith, the number one and two from last year.
“Our top players, a lot of them did return,” said coach Castillo, who is hopeful the boys and girls will produce state qualifiers. “I’m excited about it.”
Valencia coach Matthew Castillo is also optimistic, especially with a veteran boys’ team.
“We returned our top boys from a season ago,” Castillo said. “We should be competing for a district championship.”
Leading the way is Daniel Altobello, the defending district champion in singles.
“Danny is our go-to-guy,” said Castillo.
Landon Rindels and Parker Lowery add depth.
Castillo expects the VHS girls’ squad to take a step forward, with the top five players back from a year ago, headed by Ava Eylicio and Maggie Karney.
“We haven’t won a girls match in a few years,” the coach remarked. “We want to compete a little better.”
Los Lunas and Valencia took part in an Espanola Valley tournament last week. The VHS boys were second with a 3-1 record, highlighted by victories over Goddard, Hope Christian and Los Lunas and a 5-4 setback to the hosts. The VHS girls went 2-2.
The LLHS boys went 1-3, defeating Goddard, with the girls winless.
Both schools will host a triangular event March 8 with Hot Springs.
Without tennis courts on their respective campuses, Los Lunas and Valencia use the facility at Huning Ranch for practices and meets.
