On a night when the wind buffeted winning groundstrokes out of bounds and blew mis-hits back inside the lines, Republic persevered to tough out a 6-3 win over conference rival Nixa and stay undefeated in the COC.
“It was looking like … especially after our win over Branson, us and Nixa might be near the top. This was definitely a big match for us to try to establish ourselves near the top of the conference,” says coach Dan Vales. “The guys came to play today in pretty tough conditions. It’s probably the windiest day we’ve played in a long time. That’s spring tennis. It’s going to be that way some days.”
The Tigers started the night by winning two of three doubles matches, then won big points at key times during several singles matches to pull away from the Eagles. The biggest points of all came in the singles match between Dylan Mackey and Garrett Robertson, who fought to a tiebreaker. Mackey seized control early and cruised to a 7-1 tiebreak win.
“Dylan’s win was huge because both guys have similar styles,” says Vales. “It was a freshman from Nixa. He’s a really strong player–great strokes. Dylan just stayed the course. He didn’t get too high or too low. He just kept playing his game and fought through it. It was a great game for him. I was really proud of him.”
Shortly after Mackey’s win, Austin Massey closed out his 8-4 victory over Garrett Jarvis to give Republic its fifth and deciding win. The Tigers’ final win of the day featured a huge comeback. Brett Carpenter fell behind Benjamin Boyd 5-0, but fought back to win 8-6.
In doubles, Isaac Jordan and Carpenter won their match 8-6, and Logan Elder and Will Berry teamed for an 8-4 victory.
Republic improved to 8-1 in dual play this year. The Tigers are 3-0 in the COC. Their next match is at Carthage next Monday. Tuesday will feature a JV match against Central at Gillenwaters Tennis Complex in Springfield. Wednesday, the Tigers are back home against Glendale.
Singles scores:
1. Tanner Powley (N) d. Hunter Creek (R) 8-6
2. Dylan Mackey (R) d. Garrett Robertson (N) 9-8 (7-1)
3. Todd Jones (N) d. Isaac Jordan (R) 9-8 (8-6)
4. Brett Carpenter (R) d. Benjamin Boyd (N) 8-6
5. Logan Elder (R) d. Tanner Barnes (N) 8-4
6. Austin Massey (R) d. Garrett Jarvis (N) 8-4
Doubles scores:
1. Tanner Powley / Benjamin Boyd (N) d. Hunter Creek / Dylan Mackey (R) 8-6
2. Isaac Jordan / Brett Carpenter (R) d. Garrett Robertson / Todd Jones (N) 8-6
3. Logan Elder / Will Berry (R) d. Tanner Barnes / Garrett Jarvis (N) 8-4
Notes: Brett came back from down 0-5 to win his singles match.
Republic is 8-1 in varsity play. 3-0 in COC.
Next match: @ Carthage 3:30 start Monday; Tuesday @ Gillenwaters to play Central JV; Wed: Home v. Glendale.
