Republic’s bid for a Central Ozark Conference West championship fell short on Monday. The Tigers lost their semifinal match against Willard 5-4.
Republic had opened the day with a quick sweep of Neosho in the first round. The second-round showdown against Willard was a rematch of their closest night of tennis all season long. Earlier in the year, Republic had beaten Willard 5-4, earning two tie-breaker victories along the way.
On Monday, Willard reversed things just enough to come out on top. Republic grabbed an early edge by winning the first two doubles matches — including a No. 2 doubles match they had lost the first time the teams met. But Willard picked up a close win at No. 3 doubles — a match they had lost the first time.
That set up a similar series of singles matches, but this time, Willard came out on top, winning the final match of the day 8-6 to clinch.
Photos by David Brazeal
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