The Lady Tigers tennis team is coming on strong as the post-season approaches. Republic got big upsets from two doubles teams at the Central Ozark Conference tournament in Branson September 24, earning a second-place team finish.
Republic lost five of its six players from last year to graduation or injury. “(I’m) very proud of these girls. Their work ethic and determination really paid off,” says coach Eric Hanson.
The Lady Tigers got off to a fast start, winning five of their first six singles matches. It was in doubles play that Republic really shined, winning all three first-round matches and setting up a strong finish.
In the #2 doubles flight, Heather Georges and Molly Womack were the sixth seed, but upset #3 seed Ozark to earn valuable team points.
Macie Thornhill and Brylee Manes entered the day as the #5 seed in their doubles flight. They upset the top-seeded Nixa doubles team in the second round, and beat Branson 8-5 in the finals, boosting the Lady Tigers’ overall standing from fourth place to second.
Thompson and Kaitlyn Snyder, playing in the top doubles flight, managed a third-place finish.
Republic hosts a district tennis match Monday at the newly opened courts at the high school. Play begins at 4:00.
