The Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS) tennis teams continued their impressive season at the Class 3A Southern Regionals, with both boys and girls striving for individual single and doubles placements at state. The boys’ team has already qualified for state as a team, but this unique tournament offers players the chance to earn individual or doubles qualifications, a rare feature in high school sports.
The first day of qualifications kicked off at Faith Lutheran on Monday, October 14, where several PVHS athletes advanced with strong performances. Milan Vasquez dominated in singles, winning 6-1, 6-4. Sonny Skinner also made quick work of his opponent, posting a flawless 6-0, 6-0 score. In doubles play, Juan Rodriguez and Bryce Dykstra secured a commanding 6-1, 6-1 win. On the girls’ side, both doubles teams excelled as Abby Amador/Layla Brunell and Milly Khandpur/Nyomi Skinner swept their matches 6-0, 6-0.
Unfortunately, not all Trojans advanced. Jemi Chavez fought hard but lost a close three-set match, 6-3, 3-6, 0-6.
The second day of qualifications took place at Bishop Gorman on Tuesday, October 15. Alexis Staples continued the girls’ success with a decisive 6-1, 6-2 win. In a dramatic intra-squad match, Brunell and Amador battled against their teammates Chanel Anthony and Chloe Sitter-Jones, coming back to win 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Milan Vasquez continued his impressive run, defeating teammate James Dela Rosa 6-2, 6-3, to advance further in singles competition. Although Rodriguez and Dykstra fought valiantly, they fell just short in their doubles match, losing 1-6, 5-7. However, Chris Jacks and Legend Reigns delivered a strong 6-4, 6-3 win, and the duo of Lucas Johnson and Jace Eichner emerged victorious after a grueling three-set match, winning 6-2, 3-6, 6-2.
On October 16, the competition moved into the quarterfinals. Milan Vasquez faced Garrett Hadley from Moapa but fell short, losing 2-6, 4-6. Alexis Staples also ended her run after a tough 2-6, 2-6 loss to a Cimarron opponent. In another all-Trojan matchup, Johnson and Eichner triumphed over their teammates Jacks and Reigns with a commanding 6-0, 6-1 victory.
The girls’ doubles team of Brunell and Amador put up a strong fight in a three-set marathon but ultimately lost 7-6, 4-6, 3-6. Despite the setback, the boys’ doubles team of Johnson and Eichner advanced to the semifinals, set to take place on Thursday, October 17. With their quarterfinal win, Johnson and Eichner have also secured a coveted spot at the state tournament.
This year’s regional tournament has showcased the depth and resilience of PVHS tennis. As the Trojans push forward into the final stages of competition, they continue to embody the spirit of teamwork and determination. With Johnson and Eichner now double-qualified for state, the entire program celebrates another milestone achievement in a historic season for PVHS tennis.
*A special thank you to the PVHS Tennis team for the photos.
