Jordyn Gianopulos’ improbable comeback turned the tide in Republic’s favor, as the Lady Tigers edged Ozark 5-4 in a battle of undefeated teams in the Central Ozark Conference Tuesday.
Gianopulos overcame a 2-6 deficit in her singles match, tied the game 7-7, then fell behind again 7-8. Ozark’s Kaitlyn Short jumped to a 40-0 lead, setting up four match points — but Gianopulos won those four points, then seven more in a row to clinch the tiebreaker and win her match. The victory ended up making the difference for Republic, who stayed unbeaten in the COC and took the inside track to another conference title.
Her performance was just one of several for Republic. Kaitlyn Snyder continued to play as well as anyone in the conference, blowing out Ozark’s Madison Woods in singles, 8-2, and teaming with Molly Womack for an 8-2 win in doubles. Gianopulos teamed with Carly McAtee for an 8-5 win in doubles. Heather Georges jumped ahead and fought off a late charge by Bailey Major to win her singles match 8-6.
Earlier in the day, Republic had beaten Neosho 9-0. The Lady Tigers lost just two games in nine matches against the Wildcats.
Republic improves to 9-0 overall, 6-0 in the COC. The Lady Tigers play again September 7th, and will recognize their two seniors, Georges and Womack.
Republic vs Ozark
Varsity Singles
Kaitlyn Snyder d. Madison Woods 8-2
Heather Georges d. Bailey Major 8-6
Molly Womack v. Macy Abernathy 5-8
Carly McAtee v. Abigail Taylor 1-8
Jordyn Gianopolus d. Kaitlyn Short 9-8 (7-0)
Katie Stiles v. Jadyn Engel 3-8
Varsity Doubles
Snyder/Womack d. Woods/Abernathy 8-2
Georges/Stiles v. Major/Engel 5-8
McAtee/Gianopolus d. Taylor/Short 8-5
Republic vs Neosho
Varsity Singles
Kaitlyn Snyder d. Sarah Werner 8-0
Heather Georges d. Emily Mitchell 8-0
Molly Womack d. Baylee Scribner 8-0
Carly McAtee d. Kennedy Watts 8-0
Jordyn Gianopolus d. Chaney Long 8-1
Katies Stiles d. Morgan Brattin 8-0
Varsity Doubles
Snyder/Womack d. Werner/Scribner 8-0
Georges/Katie d, Mitchell/watts 8-0
McAtee/Gianopolus d. Long/Brattin 8-1