UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown at the 4A State Tennis Championships in Pueblo City Park, Peak to Peak’s tennis duo, Vivaan Bhardwaj and Shreyas Sundaresan, fell just short of glory, each finishing as runners-up in their respective singles matches. The matches, held on July 15, 2023, mark a bittersweet end to an impressive season for the Pumas.
Bhardwaj, a senior, faced a formidable opponent in Nithesh Karuppasamy from D’Evelyn, who swept him in straight sets, dominating with a score of 6-0, 6-0. “I entered the tournament with confidence,” said Bhardwaj, reflecting on his past experiences in national competitions. However, he acknowledged the unique challenge posed by Karuppasamy’s rapid play style. “His unorthodox game made it a tough, yet fun match,” he added.
Sundaresan also put up a valiant fight against Oliver Neely from Colorado Academy, narrowly losing both sets 7-5. Earlier this week, Sundaresan had faced Neely in the team semifinals, where he lost in a tight match that served as motivation for his performance in the finals. “I was up 5-1, but he adapted quickly, shifting his strategy,” Sundaresan explained. “If I had focused on my game instead of the win, I think I would have performed better.”
The Pumas had a strong overall showing at the tournament, with all but one line qualifying. Notably, freshman Cody Palmer secured a fourth-place finish in singles, while doubles teams Dmitri Zaronias/Noah Swartz and Adi Gaur/Anders Todd also made impactful runs. Head coach Matt Palmer expressed pride in his team’s performance, emphasizing the valuable experience gained during this competitive season.
“Cody’s fourth place is a significant achievement, especially for a freshman,” Palmer said. “With Shreyas returning next year and a strong group of sophomores advancing, we’re looking forward to building on this success.” The Pumas’ consistent performance against tough teams throughout the season has set a solid foundation for the future.
This year’s state tournament featured intense competition, with local schools showcasing their top talent. In Class 5A, Fairview saw standout performances from Luke Treleaven and Adhrit Sundaresan, while Broomfield and Centaurus struggled to make significant gains.
As the dust settles on this year’s 4A State Tournament, the Peak to Peak Pumas are already looking ahead to the next season, armed with the lessons learned and the fire to improve. Stay tuned for more updates as these talented athletes prepare to return stronger than ever.
