The Republic tennis team lost its semifinal match at Joplin Tuesday, 5-2, knocking them out of the district tournament. The Tigers lost two of three doubles matches before Joplin clinched an overall victory by winning three of the first four singles matches to be decided.
In doubles, only Michael Nacy and Bradley Hendrix won for Republic, beating Duncan Ford and Sam Wilcoxin 8-3.
In singles, Nacy suffered a rare loss to Alex Mailes, 5-7, 3-6. Dylan Mackey picked up the only singles victory for Republic, defeating Omar Ahmed 6-4 6-3. Hendrix had split two sets with Duncan Ford when play was stopped in their match after Joplin clinched the win.
“It was a competitive match,” says coach Dan Vales. “If a few breaks had gone our way, we could have pulled it out. Still proud of the collective effort of our guys.”
The Tigers’ team season is finished now, but they will compete as individuals in the district tournament at Joplin Friday, starting at 9 am.