Local recap: Hagerman shows promise in his first year despite losing in the state tennis tournament Local

Flagstaff Eagles freshman Camden Hagerman reaches for the ball during his quarterfinal singles match of the Division II state tournament in Glendale on Saturday.

Flagstaff’s Camden Hagerman returns after playing his No. 1 singles game against Thunderbird in the first round of the Division II State Championship tournament at Thorpe Park in late April.

Flagstaff Eagles freshman Camden Hagerman goes backhand during his quarterfinal singles match of the Division II state tournament in Glendale on Saturday.

ERIC NEWMAN Sun Sports Editor

Flagstaff rookie Camden Hagerman fell 6-1, 6-2 against Greenway’s Matthew Johanson in Saturday’s quarter-finals of the Division II playoffs at the Paseo Racquet Center in Glendale.

Number 7 Hagerman had never played Johanson – a freshman and number 2 in the tournament – but he had seen him in other competitions. He knew from the start that it would be difficult.

“I got into this game a little scared because I knew how good it was but I was just trying to do my best,” said Hagerman.

Hagerman had a chance to take an early lead when he hit a game point on his opening game and a breakpoint on Johanson’s serve. However, he could not convert either and fell into a quick 2-0 hole.

From there, Johanson controlled the game with his hard serve and consistency from the baseline. He moved Hagerman deeply, keeping him off balance to roll through the first set and win 6-1.

“I felt like I couldn’t give his serve back that easily and his forehand was better than mine today so it was tough,” said Hagerman.

Flagstaff Eagles freshman Camden Hagerman plays in Glendale during his quarterfinal singles match of the Division II State Tournament on Saturday.

Eric Newman, Arizona Daily Sun.

The second set looked rather the same at the start, as Johanson used the same strategy to play a service game and earned a slight break to get back up 2-0. Hagerman, however, fought back with a break of his own to get onto the track for a moment. But just as quickly, Johanson broke Hagerman’s serve again and kept the lead on the road to a straightforward win.