Republic’s tennis team suffered its first loss of the season Thursday, falling 6-3 to unbeaten Joplin in a matchup of 3-0 teams.
Freshman Lucas Riffe earned an impressive 8-4 victory at No. 1 singles over a strong Joplin opponent. “Lucas is able to keep almost constant pressure on his opponents. He can break down really good players by speeding up the decisions they have to make,” coach David Smashey said. “It’s so impressive for such a young player.”
Nico Lugli added Republic’s other singles win with a 9-7 victory at No. 6. In doubles play, Andrew McCord and Lugli teamed up for an 8-1 win at No. 3.
Gavin Collyott nearly pulled off a win at No. 2 singles, falling 9-7 in a tight match. Republic’s top doubles team of Riffe and Collyott lost 8-6, while Nathan Henry and Cooper Choate fell 8-5 at No. 2 doubles.
“We just were not quite good enough—yet,” Smashey said. “I think the match gives us the confidence we can hang with the top teams, and the frustration in not being able to win it will make us hungry going forward.”
The JV team won 12-5.
