For the first time in program history, Republic’s tennis team is the champion of the Republic Tournament. The Tigers clinched the title of their home tournament when Gabe Bandfield and Hunter Creek won the 48th and final match of the day — defeating a team from Greenwood 6-4 to win the Flight 2 doubles title. The win allowed Republic to edge Greenwood by a single point for the tournament championship.
It was a day of comebacks for Bandfield and Creek. They started the day with a disappointing upset loss to Neosho, then fought all the way back through the bracket to the championship match. Once they got there, they were behind 4-3 before winning three straight games to take the match.
Republic’s #1 doubles team of Michael Nacy and Brad Hendrix cruised to the title as expected. They didn’t lose more than one game in any of their matches.
Austin Massey played in singles Flight 1 for the Tigers, finishing second. Case Birlew, who started the season on the JV squad, took third in Flight 2 singles.
Team Results
(Lower point total is better)
1. Republic 11
2. Greenwood 12
3. Webb City 14
4. Carl Junction 15
4. Carl Junction 15
6. Neosho 20
7. Carthage 27
8. Forsyth 30
