BREAKING: Peak to Peak’s Vivaan Bhardwaj and Shreyas Sundaresan faced a heartbreaking defeat in the Class 4A state tennis finals on Saturday at Pueblo City Park. Both players, who dominated throughout the season, fell short in their respective championship matches, marking a dramatic end to an impressive run.
Bhardwaj, a senior and the No. 1 singles player, encountered a formidable opponent in Nithesh Karuppasamy from D’Evelyn, losing in straight sets after a relentless battle. “I entered the tournament with confidence but faced a unique challenge today,” Bhardwaj stated, reflecting on his performance. He emphasized his mental strength gained from competing in national-level tournaments, but acknowledged that Karuppasamy’s speed and distinctive two-handed forehand were overwhelming.
Sundaresan, competing as the No. 2 singles, fought valiantly against Oliver Neely of Colorado Academy, ultimately losing in a nail-biting match, 7-5, 7-5. Earlier this week, Sundaresan had also been edged out by Neely during the semifinals. “I was up 5-1 in the first set, but he adapted and turned the match around,” Sundaresan explained. “It was a tough lesson, but I’ll take this experience forward.”
The Pumas showcased their talent throughout the 4A state tournament, with nearly all lines qualifying. Freshman Cody Palmer finished fourth in singles, a notable achievement for a newcomer, while doubles teams also made their mark. Head coach Matt Palmer expressed pride in his team’s performance, stating, “This has been a great learning experience. We’ll come back stronger next year.”
As the dust settles on this year’s tournament, the Pumas are already looking ahead. With key players like Bhardwaj and Sundaresan returning next season, along with several promising sophomores, the team aims to build on this momentum. This year’s competition has equipped them with invaluable experience against tough rivals.
This year’s 4A state tournament was filled with intense competition, with local players showcasing their skills across matches. The outcomes from Class 5A also reflect the depth of talent in the area, as players like Luke Treleaven and Adhrit Sundaresan from Fairview made significant impacts.
With the state tournament concluding, the focus shifts to offseason training. Players are eager to refine their skills and strategies, aiming for a stronger performance in the upcoming season. As the Pumas regroup and analyze their performances, their sights are set on returning to the finals, ready to claim victory.
Stay tuned for updates on next season’s developments as the Pumas prepare for greater challenges ahead.
