Case Birlew and Hunter Creek came out of nowhere to put together one of the best doubles seasons in Republic history — but their run of success ended at the state tournament with two losses Friday.
Birlew and Creek ran into a buzzsaw from Kansas City Rockhurst in the first round, losing to Collin Krumb and Henry Goeke in the opener 6-1, 6-0.
The second round was more competitive. After dropping the first set, Birlew and Creek had an opportunity to take control of the second set. With the score tied at four games apiece, the Republic duo jumped ahead 30-love in the ninth game of the set, but their opponents from Park Hill came back to steal that game and went on to win the second set, clinching a 6-3, 6-4 victory.
Birlew and Creek finish their season at 22-7, and with a district doubles championship. Their 22-7 record is a school record.