When Glenwood Springs High School tennis player Molly Axelson found herself in the No. 3 singles position for the second straight year, she admits she was a little disappointed.

But after being the only Demon player to go undefeated in two matches on the opening weekend, Axelson realizes it’s the right spot for both her and the team.

“I was hoping to maybe move up a spot, but we’re all where we’re supposed to be,” Axelson said. I think we’ll do really well at regionals and hopefully some of us will get to state.”

Axelson didn’t lose a set in the opening weekend, defeating Leslie Kreis of Grand Junction Central 6-1, 6-4 and Rachael McColla of Durango 6-3, 6-3 as the Demons split the weekend with a 6-1 win over Central and a 6-1 loss to Durango.

For her performance, Axelson – who netted the only victory against Durango – is this week’s Glenwood Springs High School McDonald’s Athlete of the Week.

Along with the award, the victories also got Axelson off to a quick start in her bid for a state tournament berth this year.

“Central and Durango are both Class 5A,” Axelson said. “I know (Durango) lost a few seniors, but it’s kind of a goal in itself to beat Durango. That definitely has an effect on my attitude and self-esteem.”

Axelson: see page 11

A little more confidence may be the difference between going to state and being eliminated in the regionals, like last year. Last season Axelson tied for third at regionals (the top two players advance) after losing to an opponent she beat earlier in the season.

“I lost to a girl from Cedaredge I bea during the season,” Axelson said. “If I would have beaten her then I might have gone to state.

“Being in the same position (in the No. 3 spot) I definitely have a head start knowing what to do, and hopefully I’ll get to go all the way this year.”