The Republic girls tennis team opened its season at the Kickapoo Invitational on Friday, August 25. The Lady Tigers squared off against Glendale, Central, and Springfield Catholic with mixed results — a loss to Glendale, a win over Central, and an unfinished match against Springfield Catholic because of the heat.
In the first match of the year against Glendale, Republic fell behind, losing two of three doubles matches. Ella Lashley and Monica Henry secured the only doubles win with a 6-4 victory. In singles action, only one win was recorded by a Republic player, with a 6-2 win in the sixth singles match. Grace Replogle was the only Republic singles winner, by a 6-2 score.
The team rebounded strongly in its second match against Central. In doubles, Republic secured wins in all three matches, with scores of 6-3 (Lilly Carlo and Ella Lashley), 6-4 (Mati Carpenter and Katie Teeter), and 6-1 (Elli Woodward and Monica Henry). Despite Lilly Carlo retiring in the first singles match with a 1-5 score, Elli Woodward and Caroline Wilson contributed convincing wins at the fourth and sixth singles matches to finish things off.
“Our doubles was really solid in this match. We had some advantages in each matchup and all of our players played good, smart tennis to get the wins,” said coach David Smashey.
The third match against Springfield Catholic was cut short due to heat conditions. In doubles play, Republic lost both completed matches with a score of 0-6. No singles matches were started.
“It’s really nice to get the season started,” said Coach David Smashey. “Today shows we have some things to work on but also that we could be good before this season is over.
“Our doubles was really solid (in the second match). Caroline Wilson and Elli Woodward were able to finish the match off for us with very convincing wins at #6 and #4 singles, respectively. Katie Teeter’s doubles play today was outstanding. You can just watch her getting more comfortable and confident with each high-level match.”