Contributed by Dan Vales
Two Republic tennis players are still alive as sectional play picks up next week. Dylan Mackey and Hunter Creek defeated Neosho and Nixa to reach the district 12 finals, where they lost 6-1, 6-1 to Mailes/Borup of Joplin. Mackey and Creek have qualified for a sectional matchup Tuesday at Joplin High School. Mackey/Creek will play the winner of district 11 doubles.
The other Tiger tennis players saw their seasons end at individual districts in Joplin this week.
Logan Elder and Brett Carpenter won their first match against Theirs/Ortega of Carthage 7-6 (7-4), 6-1. In the quarterfinals, Elder and Carpenter lost to Mailes/Borup 6-2, 6-3.
In singles, Isaac Jordan received the #4 seed. In the quarterfinals, Jordan defeated Burghart of Neosho, 6-0, 6-0. In the semi-finals, Jordan lost 6-0, 6-0 to Garrett Lewis of Joplin. In the third place match, Isaac squared off with Todd Jones of Nixa for the fourth time this season. Isaac secured the third place match championship with 6-2, 6-1 win over Jones. Isaac follows in the footsteps of Dylan Mackey, who won the third place championship in district singles last season.
Austin Massey won his opening round match over Inskeep of Webb City, 6-1. In the semi-finals, Austin lost Gustavo Garcia of Joplin, 6-0, 6-1.
Thursday marked the end of the RHS tennis careers for 3 seniors. Austin Massey earned 4 letters and finished the season with only 2 losses in singles. Logan Elder earned varsity letters the last two seasons at Republic (lettered previously at Dexter) and finished the season with only 1 loss at #5 singles- a school record of winning % at that level. Brett Carpenter earned three letters and also finished a stellar season, with only 1 loss at #4 singles. Brett’s winning percentage is also a school record for winning % at that level.