The Aspen High School boys tennis team logged a fourth-place finish over the weekend at a three-day tournament in Loveland.

AHS scored wins over both Windsor and University high schools to finish in the top half of the eight-team tournament, coach Sherill Kerr said. However, the 3A Skiers faced top teams from larger conferences, including a number of 5A schools, and a confusing tournament format during a full weekend of tough play, she said.

“Poudre and Fort Collins were there, and they’re just powerhouses,” Kerr said. “We’re out there with the big guys, but that’s okay ? that just makes us better.”

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No. 1 doubles pair Jeff Erwin and Will Otte and No. 1 singles player Cotton Koehler stepped up in the latter half of the tournament to pick up big wins, Kerr said. AHS walked away from all Windsor and University matches undefeated.

Though the Skiers weren’t able to face off against Steamboat Springs, a perennial threat during the fall tournament season, Kerr said AHS finished the Loveland tourney neck-and-neck with the larger school. However, Steamboat will pop up again next weekend during an invitational in Grand Junction.

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AHS will “fine tune” a few skills before heading west for its next tournament, Kerr said.

“I’m really encouraged by their attitude and willingness to work,” she said. “The boys are finally [understanding] that a good solid shot cross court is just as good as trying to hit it through the guy.”