Morgan Hall saved her best performance of the year for last – which would have been perfect if not for the stinging loss the day before.

The road to redemption, though, had to start somewhere. She’s seen the movie “Rocky” enough times to know how this story goes.

A month ago, the Cheyenne Mountain freshman rebounded from one of her most frustrating matches of the season with one of her finest.

She beat Colorado Academy senior Tara Edwards in the No. 1 singles playback finals 6-4, 6-4 to take third at the Class 4A girls’ tennis tournament. It helped alleviate an error-prone semifinals loss to fellow freshman and eventual champ Josie Schaffer of Kent Denver (7-6, 6-1) that went down less than 24 hours earlier.

“I just came back and it was more me wanting to win than being scared to lose,” said Hall, The Gazette Girls’ Tennis Peak Performer of the Year. “I was really happy to end the season that way.”

Hall’s victorious response helped pad the Indians’ eighth straight team title that day. What it did for the fiery freshman’s confidence in the long run remains to be seen.

“After that match I was like ‘that’s my game’,” Hall said. “That’s how I want to play.”

Hall – arguably the area’s best freshman tennis player since her sister Kalyssa Hall debuted with the Indians in 2013 – went through some highs and lows as the team’s first-year ace.

Mostly, she cut through her competition with a powerful game and an unrivaled intensity. Her dominance was on display most during regional and league play, where she didn’t drop a set.

Sometimes, though, Hall’s fluctuating confidence and nerves led to some tough results. Cheyenne Mountain coach Dave Adams said he was impressed with his ace’s resolve.

“She played some of the best players in the state, so you’re going to take a couple on the chin,” said Adams of Hall, whose six losses all came against 5A and 4A players who had reached at least the state semifinals. “I felt she grew (this season).”

Maybe now Hall can take a deep breath. And then again, maybe not.

Hall has a rigorous summer schedule planned. Her personal tennis coach Peter Richman will have her working on her game six days a week.

Hall, though – who hears the words “Eye of the Tiger” from her father before most matches – is eager to get better.

She’s eager for redemption.

Asked if she wanted another shot at Schaffer in the state tournament next year, Hall was concise.

“Yeah, definitely,” she said.