Vail Christian Tennis Duo Qualifies for Colorado State Tournament

UPDATE: Vail Christian’s star tennis players, Owen Rey and Cody Keyes, have officially qualified for the Colorado 4A State Tournament following a remarkable performance at the 4A Region 8 Tournament held on **October 9-10, 2023**, in **Grand Junction**.

The No. 1 doubles team finished as runner-up after an intense series of matches, securing their place at state with determination and skill. Head coach J.D. Webster expressed his pride, stating, “We’re so blessed to make another run at states… It takes everyone—players, coaches, and parents—to build this program.”

Vail Christian showcased their strength, also achieving four fourth-place finishes in various categories. Notable players included Blake Kirkham in No. 3 singles and the doubles teams of Ehren Goree and Tennyson Sipes among others.

In the regional competition, Rey and Keyes, seeded third, triumphed over Durango with a dominating score of **6-0, 6-0** in their opening match. They overcame the second-seeded team from Aspen, Christopher Andrews and Justin Mavrovic, in a nail-biting semifinal, winning **6-7, 7-6, 6-3**. Keyes noted, “During regular season games, we lost in tiebreakers; we were able to turn that around at regionals.”

They faced a challenging final against the top-seeded pair from Grand Junction, Gareth Keller and Ben Miller, ultimately falling **6-3, 6-4**. Despite the loss, Rey said, “The match against Grand Junction really showed us what we’re capable of and we are looking forward to good matches at states.”

The duo will compete in the first round against D’Evelyn’s Dylan Reeb and Simon Czarnecki on **October 17** at **Pueblo City Park Tennis Courts**.

Vail Christian has a rich history in tennis, with nine athletes qualifying for state last year. Daniel Blanch, the 2023 No. 2 singles state champion, finished runner-up last season in No. 1 singles, highlighting the school’s strong tennis program.

As the team heads into the state tournament, the excitement is palpable within the Vail community. Rey and Keyes’ journey reflects not only their dedication but also the support of their coaches and families. Fans are eager to see how they will perform on the state stage.

Stay tuned for updates as they prepare for this pivotal moment in their athletic careers!