CHS Tennis Competes at State Tournament

By Don Eskins

The Carlsbad Cavemen tennis team closed out their 2025 season at the Class 5A State Tournament in Albuquerque on Friday and Saturday, May 9-10.

Competing in individual play at the state meet for CHS was the doubles team of Lucas Bluth and Evan Antiporda, the District 4/5A doubles runner-up. The Cavemen, who made the trip to the Duke City as a wild card selection, also participated in team play.

“Getting our full team up to Albuquerque to compete, alongside Lucas and Evan, was great for our kids. Not very many players get to compete on the Class 5A’s biggest stage. Overall, it was a great experience for all of them,” said CHS assistant coach Diamond Morrill.

“Especially having good tournaments were Evan and Lucas. Both played extremely well. In the first round of individual play, they downed Segura/Mottell of La Cueva 6-4, 2-6, 6-3. However, they got a tough draw for quarterfinal play, losing to Albuquerque High’s Olson/Olson 2-6, 3-6. Olson and Olson went on to win the state championship.

“In team play, they bounced back to beat Piedra Vista’s No. 1 doubles team 6-2, 6-1. Evan also won his singles match against Piedra Vista 6-4, 4-6, 6-3,” said Morrill. “For us, Evan’s final victory was a bittersweet one. As a senior, he’ll be moving on at the end of the year. We’re going to miss him a bunch.”

Also picking up a victory against the Panthers, alongside Lucas and Evan, was Moses Mendoza, who defeated his singles opponent 4-6-7-6 (0) 10-8. However, the Cavemen dropped their match to Piedra Vista 3-6.

“Although we lost to Piedra Vista, our kids battled,” said Morrill. “Overall, our coaching staff was very proud of the efforts our kids put out at the Albuquerque Big Dance. Now it’s on to 2026.”

CHS State Tourney Recap:

Singles: #1- Lucas Bluth Lost 4-6, 1-6; #2- Gavin Otto Lost 0-6, 1-6; #3- Evan Antiporda Won 6-4, 4-6, 6-3; #4- Moses Mendoza Won 4-6, 7-6 (0), 10-8; #5- Steven Pham Lost 1-6, 2-6; #6- Alex Burns Lost 4-6, 6-7 (3)

Doubles: #1: Lucas Bluth/Evan Antiporda Won 6-2, 6-1; #2: Moses Mendoza/Alex Burns Lost 2-6, 4-6; #3: Gavin Otto/Steven Pham Lost 0-6, 6-1, 2-6