Republic’s boys tennis team opened district tournament play with a dominant 5-0 victory over Carthage Monday at the Republic courts. The third-seeded Tigers won all completed matches in convincing fashion to advance to the semifinal round.
In doubles play, Lucas Riffe and Gavin Collyott set the tone with an 8-1 win at the No. 1 position. Nathan Henry and Andrew McCord nearly matched that with an 8-2 victory at No. 2 doubles, while Cooper Choate and Nico Lugli completed the doubles sweep with an 8-1 decision at No. 3.
Choate continued his strong play in singles, posting a perfect 6-0, 6-0 shutout at No. 6. Riffe secured the decisive fifth win with a 6-2, 6-1 win at No. 1 singles, clinching the match for Republic and rendering the remaining singles matches unnecessary.
With the victory, Republic advances to face second-seeded Ozark in the district semifinals. In the other opening-round match, Nixa defeated Kickapoo 5-2 to earn a semifinal meeting with top-seeded Joplin.
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