Dylan Mackey and Hunter Creek stormed from behind to overcome a 5-2 deficit, winning their doubles match and setting the stage for a surprising and remarkable sweep over conference rival Branson. Mackey and Creek won three straight games to tie the match 5-5, then fell behind again 5-6 before reeling off three more wins to steal the match from Matthew Coleman and Jonathan Scribner, after Coleman and Scribner had taken control at the start.
The Tigers had easier victories in their other two doubles matches, including an 8-0 sweep by Isaac Jordan and Brett Carpenter. Logan Elder and Will Berry trailed 4-3 early before winning five straight games to nab their victory.
With a three-match lead before singles even began, it didn’t take long for Republic to put Branson away. Only one Branson player managed to win as many as five games.
“Every year, Branson is tough,” says coach Dan Vales. “Last year, they beat us 8-1 in our match. At the start of our match tonight, it looked like another dogfight for us.”
Republic improves to 6-1 in dual play overall, and 2-0 in the Central Ozark Conference. They’ll be home again Wednesday night for Senior Night Wednesday against Hillcrest.
Doubles Scores
1. Dylan Mackey/Hunter Creek (R) d. Matthew Coleman/Jonathan Scribner 8-6
2. Isaac Jordan/Brett Carpenter (R) d. Luke Bowling/Trey Carlin 8-0
3. Logan Elder/Will Berry (R) d. Joseph Jafari/Aaron Whited
Singles Scores
1. Dylan Mackey (R) d. Matthew Coleman 8-4
2. Hunter Creek (R) d. Luke Bowling 8-1
3. Isaac Jordan (R) d. Joseph Jafari 8-2
4. Brett Carpenter (R) d. Jonathan Scribner 8-5
5. Logan Elder (R) d. Trey Carlin 8-4
6. Austin Massey (R) d. Zachary Thomas 8-1