The Lady Tigers tennis team opened with a win against old conference rival Nixa, and it was a varsity newcomer who clinched it. Senior Isabella Freeman, playing her first-ever varsity singles match, defeated Landrey Miller 8-6 to help Republic edge Nixa five matches to four, picking up a win to open the season.
Republic had nabbed an early lead in doubles play, winning two of three matches. Kaitlyn Snyder and Jordyn Gianopulos defeated Jennifer Hardy and Catherine Everett 8-5. Carly McAtee and Hannah Morgan beat Morgan Mann and Megan Brassard 8-2. That doubles win marked the first varsity victory for Morgan.
It’s the third time in a row that Republic has beaten Nixa. The match also marked the first win for Dan Vales as head girls coach, and the first for David Smashey as assistant coach.
The Lady Tigers try to stay unbeaten Tuesday when they play Neosho at 4 pm.
Singles:
1. Kaitlyn d. Jennifer Hardy 8-3
2. Catherine Everett d. Jordyn Gianopulos 2-8
3. Morgan Mann d. Carly McAtee 7-9
4. Katie Stiles d. Megan Brassard 8-3
5. Olivia Stoneman d. Hannah Morgan 7-9
6. Isabella Freeman d. Landrey Miller 8-6
Doubles:
1. Snyder/Gianopulos d. Hardy/Everett 8-5
2. McAtee/Morgan d. Mann/Brassard 8-2
3. Stoneman/Miller d. Stiles/Freeman 8-2