NEOSHO, Mo. — Rallying after dropping two of three doubles matches, Joplin’s boys tennis team earned a 5-4 win over Neosho on Tuesday in Central Ozark Conference action.
“Our doubles matches were close,” Joplin coach Aaron Stump said. “We were up in all three but fell behind late. The guys regrouped going into singles competition to fight back and win the match with their consistent play. It’s a great start for our season to begin conference matchups with a win this year.”
The Wildcats won two of three doubles matches to start the dual.
Neosho’s Christian Williams and Reid Snyder edged Adam Badr and Josiah Hazlewood 9-8 (8-6) and Willis Jarvis and Peyton Williams nipped Michael Mancipe and Hunter Merkley 9-7.
Joplin’s duo of Leif Garrity-Chapel Braman defeated Breckin McAffrey-Wes Williams 8-5.
The Eagles won four of the six singles matches.
Badr defeated Christian Williams 8-1, Garrity beat Snyder 8-4, Merkley topped McAffrey 8-5 and Roman Venturella defeated Wes Williams 8-3.
“Adam’s singles play demonstrates how much he’s developed since last season,” Stump said. “Lief showed grit, coming from behind to clinch the dual with his singles match win. Hunter hit his serves in pretty well today and had good rallies in his match.”
Neosho’s Jarvis beat Hazlewood 8-6 and Peyton Williams edged Braman 8-6.
Joplin (1-1) hosts Nixa on Thursday.
Neosho (2-3) takes on Ozark on Thursday.
