The Republic tennis team handled Joplin Tuesday, winning 8-1 to run its conference record to 3-0. Coach David Smashey called it a “good win over a growing program that we’ve had some difficulty beating over the years.”
The Lady Tigers got “especially strong play” from junior Mari Davidson and freshman Mati Carpenter, Smashey said, in both singles and doubles.
“Mari hit the ball really solidly and Mati just thinks her way around the court so well,” Smashey said.”
The JV team won 16-5.
Republic plays Springfield Central this evening at the Gillenwaters tennis courts in Springfield.