A strong Springfield Central tennis lineup beat Republic in the Tigers’ season opener, 8-1. Republic managed its only win of the night in the #3 doubles match, which Jon Cole and Caleb Long won 8-6. Cole and Long trailed until late in the match, then missed out on two match points before Long powered a big first serve for a winner to clinch the victory.
Coach David Smashey said he was satisfied with his team’s effort against one of the strongest programs in the area.
“Chase (Elder) played a great match against one of the best player in the area,” coach David Smashey said. “We had match points in both incredibly close #5 and #6 singles matches. Caleb (Long) and Cooper (Davis) both felt like they should have won. We’re going to have a lot of quality at those spots all year, regardless of who ends up playing there.”
Republic won the JV match 21-3.
“Our JV guys were really impressive,” Smashey said. “It’s nice to see the hard work those guys have been putting in really pay off.”
Match Scores
#1 singles – Garrett Carpenter 6-8
#2 singles – Chase Elder 5-8
#3 singles – Jon Cole 1-8
#4 singles – Gavin Collyott 4-8
#5 singles – Caleb Long 8-9 (7-9)
#6 singles – Cooper Davis 7-9
#1 doubles – Elder/Collyott 0-8
#2 doubles – Carpenter/Davis 0-8
#3 doubles – Cole/Long 8-6
