The victorious team with coaches Travis Gibson, Lindsay Gibson and Timur Khazaratkulov. Photo by Ioanna Witkowski
Aditya Viswanathan serves as Ryan Sood lines up in ‘I-formation’. The Toppers beat Nicholas Harris and Marcus Crockett of St. Mike’s 6-4, 6-0. Photo by Hari Viswanathan
By Gowri Srinivasan
Los Alamos
The Hilltoppers Varsity Tennis teams were victorious in the Santa Fe Triad Tournament held March 9, 2024.
The Toppers travelled to Santa Fe to take on Santa Fe Prep and St. Michael’s in a Triad style tennis tournament, consisting of 6 singles and 3 doubles matches against each opponent. Both the boys and girls varsity teams looked to avenge their defeat from last year’s District team tournaments. They did not let the frigid temperatures or the dusting of snow on the courts stop them, as they adapted their warmup routine to include squeegeeing the courts.
The boys team beat Santa Fe Prep (8-1) and St. Mikes (8-1), placing first in a decisive fashion. Representing the Toppers were Ryan Sood, Aditya Viswanathan, Nicholas Witkowski, Andres Iturregui, Michael Witkowski, Cam McDonald and Spencer Urbatsch.
The girls team placed first as well, beating Santa Fe Prep (5-4) and St. Mikes (8-1). Sofia Parra, Nailah Quartey, Sabrina Kelley, Alea Kretz, Tessa Lemke, Olivia Hamilton, Caris Hatler, Lucia Rudin and Emily Xu clinched the win for the Lady Toppers.
Both Varsity teams take on Rio Rancho at home March 19. Come support the Toppers at Urban and Mesa tennis courts!
Alea Kretz hits a backhand winner in her 6-0, 6-1 win against her opponent Olive Nardi-Keyes of Santa Fe Prep. Photo by Gowri Srinivasan
Nicholas Witkowski goes for an overhead smash as Micheal Witkowski stays alert at the net. The Witkowski brothers beat Aidan Gonzales and Mason Glatz of St. Mike’s in an impressive 6-0, 6-2 display. Photo by Hari Viswanathan.
Sofia Parra is ready to return a serve as Nailah Quartey anticipates an opportunity to poach at the net. Photo by Gowri Srinivasan
Andres Iturregui hits a backhand return down the line as his partner Spencer Urbatsch watches. Photo by Hari Viswanathan.
Sabrina Kelley and Tessa Lemke beat Sasha Smucher and Maya Vaziri of Santa Prep 6-4, 6-2. Photo by Gowri Srinivasan
Cam McDonald is in position for a backhand. He beat Elison Quirante-Bonnell of Santa Fe Prep 6-0, 6-1. Photo by Gowri Srinivasan
Lucia Rudin hits a forehand against Ella Neil of St. Mike’s winning easily with a score of 6-0, 6-0. Photo by Gowri Srinivasan
Caris Hatler, left, and Olivia Hamilton beat Julia Diaz and Ella Neil of St. Mike’s 6-2, 6-1. Photo by Hari Viswanathan
