Republic’s tennis squad rebounded from a tough loss at Bolivar with a rain-shortened victory at home over Joplin Tuesday at home. The Tigers won all five matches that had been completed when storms moved into Republic. They were leading the other four matches, too.
The highlight of the early action was a 9-8 tiebreaker win by Case Birlew and Hunter Creek in their #1 doubles match. Dylan Mackey and Logan Elder won their doubles match together, and also won each of their singles matches. Austin Massey and Isaac Jordan were also doubles winners.
“One of our biggest worries on the night was if we would be able to clinch the win in time before lightning shut the match down,” says coach Dan Vales. “Logan was able to string some games together quickly at the end of his match to clinch the 5th win and the team victory.”
When time was called, Republic was leading the 4 other varsity matches on the court, including Birlew leading 7-2 over a strong freshman player from Joplin.
The JV team had another strong night, with a 9-2 win overall. When time was called, JV was also leading 4 other matches on the court.
The Mt. Vernon tournament has been canceled for Wednesday. It will not be made up due to scheduling conflicts.
The Tigers’ next match is Friday at home vs. Webb City. They’re 2-1 in dual play this year.
Doubles scores
1. Birlew/Creek (R) d. Borup/Gray 9-8 (7-2)
2. Mackey/Elder (R) d. Mailes/Wilkinson 8-5
3. Massey/Jordan (R) d. Allen/Stadler 8-3
Singles scores
1. Case Birlew (R) 7 – Asa Borup 2 (suspended)
2. Dylan Mackey (R) d. Nicholas Mailes 8-5
3. Logan Elder (R) d. Michael Gray 8-2
4. Hunter Creek (R) 6 – Allan Wilkinson 3 (suspended)
5. Austin Massey (R) 4 – Logan Allen 2 (suspended)
6. Isaac Jordan (R) 6 – Miles Greenstreet 4 (suspended)