Republic pressed its advantage during three doubles matches, then made that advantage hold up in a Central Ozark Conference showdown with rival Branson. The Tigers seemed to have set themselves up for a relatively easy night after sweeping doubles, taking a 3-0 lead with only six singles matches remaining. But by the time the night ended, Republic’s top singles player, Isaac Jordan, had to hold on for an 8-5 win over Gavin Brown for the Tigers to clinch.
The win kept Republic unbeaten in dual play this season. The Tigers are 6-0 overall. Republic has not lost a doubles match yet this year.
Monday marked only the second time in program history that Republic has won a dual at Branson.
The junior varsity squad suffered its first loss since April 19, 2017, losing 7-6. Like the varsity dual, the decision came down to the final match of the night.
Doubles
Isaac Jordan & Kile Thornhill def. Gavin Brown & Jonathan Scribner 8-5
Will Berry & Jack Cook def. Joseph Jafari & Trey Carlin 8-3
Lucas Hayes & Ethan Ragsdale def. Mason Elliott & Zachary Thomas 9-8 (7-4)
Singles
Jordan def. Brown 8-5
Berry def. Jafari 8-4
Scribner def. Cook 8-0
Carlin def. Thornhill 8-2
Aaron Whited def. Hayes 8–0
Carlson def. Ragsdale 8-6