The Republic tennis Tigers had their most successful season in years, but ended one step short of a district championship Thursday. The Tigers knocked off Webb City in the district semifinal before falling to a very strong Joplin squad in the district title match.
The day started well for the Tigers in a semifinal match against Webb City that had been postponed by bad weather Wednesday. Republic beat the Cardinals 5-2 to secure their appearance in the finals. Republic won four of six singles matches (in flights three through six), then won the first doubles match to clinch the victory and advance.
In the district championship, Joplin won the first five matches to clinch the victory. The Eagles dominated the day, only surrendering eight games in their five victories. Bradley Hendrix, competing in the #3 singles flight, was tied 6-6 in the opening set when play was halted because Joplin had clinched.
The Tigers improve on last year’s district finish as the runners-up this year. Last year, they finished 5th. They also end their season with a 10-6 overall team record, compared to 4-8 a year ago.
Individual districts will be held tomorrow at Republic, starting around 8:30 a.m. Republic will recognize its seniors in a ceremony before play begins.
