TORRINGTON – The Torrington High School tennis team returned to the courts on Tuesday with a triangular with Cheyenne South and Sheridan.

The Blazers opened the day with a boys’ only match against the Cheyenne South, topping the Bison 3-2.

Torrington lost both singles matches but picked up three wins in doubles action.

Elijah Hatch and Skyler Thomas teamed up to score a 6-4, 6-3 win in No. 1 doubles action.

“They have been working really hard on their volleying and doubles movement the last week,” coach Lauren Shields said. “Against South, they still struggled some with their serve returns and keeping the ball in play. They came out with a conference win. I really have high hopes for these two, especially if they can figure out doubles play.”

In the No. 2 doubles match, Steven Schneider and Gabe Posten won 6-4, 6-5. 

“Gabe volleyed well, and Steven served well,” Shields said. “When these two are moving their feet and playing their best, they can compete with most doubles teams around the state.”

The third win of the day went to Marcus Jones and Josiah Steinbrecher, winning 6-0, 6-1.

“These boys are fun to watch,” Shields said. “They play more unconventional. It works for them, and they have fun.”

The Lady Blazers won all the varsity matches by forfeit. The girls’ team played eight-game pro sets against South’s JV squad to get court time. All the Lady Blazers picked up wins.

“South is only going to play their girls JV this year. It was nice to get some time to play against them and it was good for our girls to get a confidence boost and work together,” Shields said.

Following that, South and Sheridan squared off against each other, and the day was capped off with Sheridan handing the Blazers and Lady Blazers a pair of 5-0 losses.

“It can be disheartening to play against teams like Sheridan who play all year round and who start playing when they are about 10 or 12 years old,” Shields said. “Our Blazer tennis players really did well mentally and played hard against Sheridan.”

In the girls’ division, Katie Watson fell 6-1, 6-2.

“Katie Watson played well against the Sheridan opponent. Katie just works so hard when she plays. She stays in points and makes her opponents make the mistake. She is so consistent,” Shields said. “I’m impressed that she has done so well in the heat, but Katie and Madix both take great care of themselves before and after matches and practices.”

Madix McIntosh lost 6-2, 6-2 in No. 2 singles action. 

In doubles action, Juliana Russell and Madison Hatch lost 6-1, 6-0, while Marlee Foy and Laney Grubbs lost 6-1, 6-0. 

“Madison and Juli have fun together and support each other so well. I’m excited to see their growth,” Shields said. “Marlee and Laney really have good chemistry with each other and keep each other so positive even when they are losing. I love watching these two girls play together, they seem to get better every day.”

In No. 3 doubles action, Olivia Judkins and Sinai Hernandez lost 6-0, 6-0.

“Olivia and Sinai struggled in their match at three doubles with Sheridan today,” Shields said. “However, they seem to play well together. Both of these girls have worked so hard at each and every practice this season and are always asking what they can do to get better.”

In the boys’ division, Adam Bartlett lost 6-3, 6-1, while Jorey Asmus fell 6-2, 6-3. In doubles action, Hatch and Thomas was handed a 6-4, 7-5 loss, while Schneider and Posten lost 6-0, 6-1. Meanwhile Jones and Benaiah Steinbrecker lost 6-2, 6-1.

Torrington will take a group of junior varsity players to a tournament in Casper on Saturday, Aug. 26. The Blazer boys are back in action on Tuesday, Aug. 29 in Nebraska against Alliance and Gering at 1 and 4 p.m.