The Tiger tennis team is developing a knack for winning the close ones.
For the second straight match, the Tigers won the final singles match of the day, breaking a 4-4 tie and defeating Carl Junction 5-4 at Shifferdecker Tennis Complex in Joplin.
This time it was Gabe Bandfield who played the hero as the final Tiger on the court. Tied 6-6 with Benjamin Byrd, Bandfield held serve, then broke Byrd to clinch the victory.
“This was a big singles win for Gabe,” says coach Dan Vales. “This year has been kind of tough for him in singles, having to make the transition to playing a higher lineup spot for us. Gabe and I just talked the other day about how he is starting to put things together and he just needs to start getting over the hump against tough competition. Well today, he beat a high quality player on CJ.
“That was probably Gabe’s best singles win he has had in his three years here. The fact it clinched the win over CJ made it in even sweeter. I am excited to see how much higher he can raise his game by next year.”
Michael Nacy and Bradley Hendrix continued to shine in singles in the #1 and #2 spots. Nancy improved to 14-1 and Hendrix to 13-2.
The Tigers will turn around quickly after the win, hosting the COC Tournament Wednesday morning.
Singles
Michael Nacy d. Benjamin Coltharp 8-2
Bradley Hendrix d. Jansen Smith 8-5
Gabe Bandfield d. Benjamin Byrd 8-6
Jacob Overturf L. Drew Irwin 4-8
Dylan Mackey L. Jared Kuykendall 2-8
Austin Massey L. Coltyn Smith 2-8
Doubles
Nacy/Hendrix d. Coltharp/Smith 8-2
Bandfield/Overturf L. Byrd/Kuykendall 5-8
Mackey/Massey d. Irwin / C. Smith 8-5
Republic JV d. Carl Junction JV 4-2