Republic’s tennis team stormed onto the courts Tuesday, overwhelming Willard 8-1 in their season-opening Central Ozark Conference West matchup. The Tigers set the tone early with a doubles sweep and maintained control throughout the singles competition.
Freshman Lucas Riffe made an impressive varsity debut, teaming with Gavin Collyott for an 8-0 win at No. 1 doubles before taking his No. 1 singles match 8-2. Collyott, who has committed to play college tennis at Cornell College in Iowa, followed with an 8-1 victory in No. 2 singles.
“I’m really happy to get this first match under our belts,” said coach David Smashey. “Our guys practiced so well yesterday and that carried over to today. Our doubles was really outstanding. Gavin and Lucas really set a tone for the match with their quick, one-sided victory at 1 doubles.”
Nathan Henry and Cooper Choate claimed an 8-5 win at No. 2 doubles, while Andrew McCord and Nico Lugli took the No. 3 doubles match 8-4.
In singles play, Henry won 8-2 at No. 3, McCord won 8-5 at No. 4, and Lugli prevailed 9-7 in a tight No. 6 match. Willard’s lone point came at No. 5 singles, where Choate fell 4-8.
“In singles, I thought Gavin played about as controlled a singles match as you could play under difficult, windy conditions,” Smashey said. “Several of the other matches were battles and closer than the scores would indicate. Willard always competes well and this match was no different.”
The junior varsity also had a successful day, winning 9-4.
“We definitely have room to grow but these guys played very well for their first match,” Smashey said.
