Republic split two duals at a triangular in Branson Tuesday, topping Aurora before falling to the host Pirates. The split moves Republic’s record in dual play to 5-4 so far this season.
An up-and-down start with a record around .500 is partly related to the Tigers’ youth, according to coach Eric Nolan.
“It’s a work in progress. I think we’ve been a little inconsistent at times, but that goes with having a young team,” Nolan said. “For the most part, we’re coming out and battling every day in practice, and trying to apply that out here.”
Nolan is in his first year and has talked about raising expectations for the program. That remains the same after the first few weeks of competition.
“I’ve made no bones about it. We have got to get better, and that’s what we’re going to try to keep doing,” he said.
Tuesday’s meet marked the return of Connor Sandridge, Republic’s top winner last season who’d been sidelined with an injury since before this season began. He won both his matches.
Republic travels to the Harrisonville Tournament this weekend.
Photos by David Brazeal
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