Looking for its first win over Branson in about a decade, the Republic tennis squad turned to freshman Austin Massey–and he delivered. Massey won the last match of the day to break a 4-4 tie and give Republic a 5-4 victory in a big COC showdown on the road.
Republic began the day with victories in the first two doubles matches, but lost a close match at #3 doubles and led 2-1 going into singles play.
Michael Nacy and Bradley Hendrix won the #1 and #2 singles matches, but three other Tigers — Gabe Bandfield, Jacob Overturf, and Dylan Mackey — suffered losses. That left the teams tied 4-4 with Massey and Branson’s Matt Coleman still on the court.
Massey fell behind 6-5, but rallied for a 9-7 win to clinch the team victory.
“I am impressed with Austin’s never give up attitude and mental focus each point,” says coach Dan Vales. “He gave every point his all, and the end result was he beat a solid up-and-coming player on Branson’s squad.”
Singles
Michael Nacy d. Daniel Storment 8-3
Bradley Hendrix d. Boston Fridley 8-4
Gabe Bandfield L. Collin Ruby 1-8
Jacob Overturf L. Christian Mckuch 6-8
Dylan Mackey L. Zach Bliss 4-8
Austin Massey d. Matt Coleman 9-7
Doubles
Nacy /Overturf d. Storment / Makuch 8-4
Hendrix / Bandfield v. Fridley/Bliss 8-1
Mackey/ Massey L. Ruby/Coleman 6-8
Branson JV d. Republic 7-4
