Republic’s tennis season ended with a 5-1 loss to top-seeded Nixa in the district tournament. The Tigers finished the year 7-7 overall and second in the COC West.
Nixa had swept Republic 9-0 in their first meeting, but the rematch proved more competitive. Republic earned one victory before play concluded, and pushed Nixa in a second of three doubles matches to begin the evening.
Payton Schroeder and Brooklyn Douglas secured Republic’s lone win, taking their doubles match 8-5.
“Brooklyn really carried us in the middle of the match with tremendous court coverage and great finishing at the net,” Coach David Smashey said. “Then Payton really finished the match in style with four straight aces in the last game.”
Mati Carpenter and Aubree Tinsley fell 5-8 in doubles, while Ella Lashley and Paelyn Kaufmann lost 1-8.
In singles, Carpenter lost 0-6, 1-6, Lashley fell 2-6, 4-6, and Schroeder dropped her match 1-6, 0-6. The remaining singles matches were unfinished.
“Overall, our effort and competitiveness was a lot better than when we played them earlier in the season, but in the end, they were just the better team,” Smashey said. “I’m really proud of the development of so many of our players during this season.”