UPDATE: Peak to Peak’s boys tennis team faced a crushing end to their remarkable Class 4A season on Saturday at Pueblo City Park, where top players Vivaan Bhardwaj and Shreyas Sundaresan finished as state runners-up. Both athletes fell in their respective state championship matches, marking a bitter conclusion to a valiant campaign.
Bhardwaj, a senior, encountered a formidable opponent in Nithesh Karuppasamy from D’Evelyn, who dominated the match, winning in 12 straight games. Reflecting on his performance, Bhardwaj acknowledged the pressure of the tournament, stating, “I entered with confidence, having previously faced my competitors. My experience in high-pressure situations taught me how to stay mentally strong.” He emphasized his strengths—his forehand and speed—while admitting that Karuppasamy’s unique style made for a challenging but enjoyable match.
Meanwhile, Sundaresan battled Oliver Neely from Colorado Academy, narrowly losing both sets 7-5, 7-5. Earlier this week, Neely had also defeated Sundaresan in a tight semifinal match, which Sundaresan used as motivation. “I was up 5-1 in the first set, but he adjusted his strategy, which threw me off my game,” Sundaresan explained. “I learned valuable lessons from this experience that I’ll carry into future matches.”
The Pumas showcased their talent throughout the tournament, with all but one doubles line qualifying. Freshman Cody Palmer (3S) finished fourth, while doubles teams Dmitri Zaronias/Noah Swartz (1D) and Adi Gaur/Anders Todd (2D) made significant strides, winning matches despite the tough competition. Head coach Matt Palmer expressed pride in the team’s performance and future potential, highlighting that the experience gained this year will only strengthen their resolve moving forward.
As the tournament concludes, attention now turns to next year, with promising prospects for the Pumas. Coach Palmer noted, “Cody will return next year, as will Shreyas and many sophomores. This has been a great learning experience for them.”
The emotional toll of the state championships resonates beyond just wins and losses. For Bhardwaj and Sundaresan, the experience has been one of growth, camaraderie, and resilience, underscoring the essence of high school athletics.
As the dust settles on the state tournament, the community reflects on a season filled with excitement and determination. Expect to see these talented athletes back in action next year, ready to build on their success and lessons learned.
