Jessica Watts had this match circled on her calendar for some time.
Now it’s safe to assume she can turn that circle into a smiley face.
The Park City High School boys’ tennis team marched into enemy territory in Draper Wednesday and bested the Juan Diego Soaring Eagle 4-1. It was sweet, yet temporary revenge for the Miners; Juan Diego eliminated Park City in last year’s 3A state tournament.
Watts said her team was ecstatic after the crucial victory.
“It was 4-1, but I was expecting it to be really closer than that,” said Park City’s head coach. “Everybody came out and played as hard as they could. I was hoping for the sweep, but it’s always nice to have a decisive win.”
No. 1 Kevin Colopy and No. 3 Jackson Engen continued their 2011 undefeated streak with impressive wins.
Colopy, who fell behind 2-6 after the first set, came back to win the second set 6-1, before finishing off Brendon Kempin 6-4.
“He lost the first set, but he still really wanted it,” Watts said. “He could have easily thrown in the towel there. We already had the series win in the bag.
“The win was really important to him. He played great tennis.”
Engen swept Nick Fuller in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0. Engen now has an incredible streak of 14 straight matches winning at least one set 6-0.
“He’s a senior,” Watts said. “He wants it. I think he could easily win the state title. He’s really just a good example to all the guys. Every point, every set, he wants it.
“He had a goal of hitting a baker’s dozen in 6-0 sets. Now he has 14 in a row. He literally never lets up. We always can count on him to win, which is nice for us to not have to worry. We don’t even coach him.”
No. 2 singles man Stefan Dancy lost to Juan Diego’s Jake Barnman 6-2, 6-0.
Both doubles teams also cruised to their victories, even after Watts made a change, bumping the usual No. 1 duo of Kasra Motaghed and Caleb Wray to the No. 2 slot to help Wray rest a lingering back injury.
Marco Testa and Matt Groy were moved to the No. 1 spot and did what they’ve done most of the season win.
“Juan Diego wasn’t as quite as strong as it’s been in years past,” Watts said. “They’re a little bit younger this year. Most of their doubles graduated last year. Our doubles’ experience and positioning helps us. We’re a force to be reckoned with.”
After an inspiring road victory against a team that eliminated them a year ago, the Miners continue to roll on.
“We’re definitely one of the better teams,” Watts said. “We’ll have to see what Desert Hills can bring to the table, but we’re one of the teams to beat. The kids are just starting to realize that now.
“All kids can get individual titles. A lot of them want state titles. They realize that’s actually within their grasp. It’s kind of shock and awe for them. It says a lot for how far we’ve come.”