Republic put together a solid showing against one of the area’s top programs but fell 5–4 in a non-conference road match at Bolivar. The Liberators improved to 14–3 with the win.
Bolivar secured the team victory early by winning two of three doubles and sweeping the top half of the singles ladder. Mati Carpenter and Aubree Tinsley dropped an 8–0 match at No. 1 doubles, and Marlee Vasquez and Paelyn Kaufmann lost 8–3 at No. 2. Republic’s lone doubles win came at No. 3, where Claire Norris and Sienna Blankenship earned an 8–3 victory.
In singles, Bolivar extended its lead with three wins at the top. Kami Bryan defeated Carpenter 8–4, Emma Goodman topped Norris 8–3, and Jillian Horner beat Vasquez 8–3. Republic answered in the lower half of the lineup, with Kaufmann winning 8–4 at No. 4, Abigail Bremer earning an 8–3 decision at No. 5, and Tinsley cruising 8–1 at No. 6.
“Great effort froma the varsity. (I) feel like their play is coming on,” coach Dan Vales said.
The JV team stayed undefeated with a 15-6 win.
Republic is now 5–3 at the varsity level and will celebrate Senior Night on Tuesday.
