Storm tennis players district champions; players from both schools qualify for state

RIO RANCHO — The City of Vision is home to some tennis district champions.

Cleveland High School’s Lilly Walker, a freshman, won the district championship in individuals, and brothers Martin and Orlando Mondragon, also from Cleveland, won the district championship in doubles May 2.

“These players worked really hard all season and truly deserved the success they experienced at district. They spent countless hours practicing and working on their physical and mental game,” head coach Daniel Acosta said.

Walker, Martin and Orlando all punched their ticket to the upcoming state tournament.

However, that wasn’t all. The City of Vision had six more players qualify for the state tournament as well.

Also qualifying from the Storm boys were junior Ethan Hendricks and Tyler Nunn, who took second place in district doubles.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better group of players, and I’m excited to see them compete at State,” Acosta said.

Rio Rancho High School junior Henry Hosteltlier won third place in boys individuals, and freshman Ella Jones won third place in the girls individuals.

“We are really proud. On the boys side, Henry Hosteltier did fantastic all season considering we are arguably the most competitive district in the state,” boys tennis head coach Tom Gutierrez said. “Ella has had a fantastic tournament as well … I know she is going to be competitive for years to come.”

Also qualifying for the Rams girls team, who are coached by Uwe Balzis, were seniors Emilee Miller and Aurora Espinosa.

'The team consists of 9 very dedicated players who are willing to put in the extra time besides our team practice in order to succeed. In senior Emilee Miller, they have a captain who is well respected and shows great leadership. We have a very healthy competition for the individual rankings, but always with respect for each other," Balzis said.

The NMAA Tennis State championships will begin on May 7 and conclude on May 10. The Cleveland boys, and the Rio Rancho girls, both qualified for state as teams.

Tennis matches will be played at three different locations: Jerry Cline Tennis Center, Albuquerque Academy and Sierra Vista.