Republic’s five seniors got the sendoff they hoped for in their final home match, leading the Lady Tigers to a 9–0 sweep of Neosho on Senior Night.
Mati Carpenter, Anna Fernandez Pico, Fallon Jameson, Payton Schroeder, and Ella Walter were recognized before the match. Carpenter teamed with Aubree Tinsley for an 8–1 win at No. 1 doubles. Schroeder and Sienna Blankenship paired for an 8–2 win at No. 2 doubles, and Walter and Jameson joined forces at No. 3 doubles, rolling 8–1.
Republic swept singles with Carpenter, Claire Norris, Marlee Vasquez, Paelyn Kaufmann, Abigail Bremer, and Tinsley all picking up wins. The victory lifted Republic’s record to 6–3. The Lady Tigers will compete in the Bolivar Tournament on Wednesday.
Head coach Dan Vales, in his first year back after stepping away from coaching for three seasons, praised the senior group for their leadership and the way they welcomed him back into the program. “They’ve made me feel very welcome as part of the coaching and part of the team, and they’ve been great leaders for the other kids,” Vales said.
Vales also noted the progress the team is making overall. “Our singles play is really picking up, and we’re starting to see the kind of higher-level tennis it takes to compete night after night,” he said. “We’re excited about the way the girls are improving and competing.”
