Mountain Vista sophomore tennis player Marian Hayes is having a good time this spring, thanks in part to her off-season workouts with her best friend who just happens to be her sister.
Marian, a state semifinalist last spring, is Vista’s No. 2 singles player and is undefeated after an April 12 dual match against Legend. Her sister, senior Lauren, is the No. 1 singles player for the Golden Eagles.
“I’ve played really well this season so far,” said Marian. “I did really well last year and I think I have improved like just overall and with my mental game.”
Her improvement started before the girls tennis season.
“My sister is the No. 1 singles player and we would go out and hit together a lot and practice serves,” Marian said. “We would go to the Parker Racquet Club a lot.
“She (Lauren) is an influence for me. I love playing with her. She is such good competiton in practice and she is like my best friend.”
In the 7-0 win against Legend, Marian defeated sophomore Matthea Mathurin 6-1,6-2 while Lauren downed freshman Mia Scaife 6-2, 6-2.
Mountain Vista, ranked sixth in the April 12 CHSAANow.com poll, defeated ThunderRidge 6-0, in another match on April 13. Lauren Hayes defeated Kelsey Wheeler of ThunderRidge 6-0, 6-0. Marian Hayes improved her record to 12-0 with a 6-0, 6-0 win over Paige Colmenter.
“It is great having the Hayes girls at the top of the line up,” said Vista coach James Flanigan. “We are very fortunate to have them. They are great kids and tennis players.”
Flanigan believes his team is one of the top six in the state this season along with defending state champion Cherry Creek, Fairview, Ralston Valley, Valor Christian and Fossil Ridge.
A new four-round, dual-style bracket will be introduced in girls tennis to determine this season’s state team champion.
Individual state champs will be decided May 11-13 at Denver’s City Park. Finals in the team competition will be May 16 at City Park.
“I love the new format,” said Flanigan. “It mirrors what the NCAA does and makes it more similar to other team sports.
“I think it is great for the teams to compete as teams together and great there is an individual portion as well.”
