The Joplin Eagles recorded their first dual win of the spring by beating Carl Junction 6-3 on Tuesday in a Central Ozark Conference boys tennis matchup at the Joplin Athletic Complex courts.
“The guys played well and were excited to get their first win of the season,” Joplin coach Aaron Stump told SoMo Sports. “Having Joe (Graham) return to play made a huge difference for the team’s morale and lifted the team’s overall performance.”
At No. 1 doubles, Carl Junction’s Blaine Wilkerson and Dan Hodson edged Adam Badr and Josiah Hazlewood 8-6.
“Adam and Josiah continue to improve as a doubles team,” Stump said. “Even though they are new to tennis, they are playing at No. 1 and show the potential we have for future years. They are communicating, hitting some nice serves, and continuing to develop their ground strokes.”
Joplin won the other two doubles matches.
At No. 2 doubles, Joplin’s Joseph Graham and Aidan Kester defeated Ben Morey and William Russel 9-7.
“This is the first time Joseph and Aidan have played together as a doubles team, and they played well,” Stump commented. “I saw some good serves from both guys. I really liked how they came from behind in this match. They were focused and played a sound match.”
Joplin’s Michael Mancipe and Hunter Merkley earned an 8-1 win over Jayden Wolf and Cameron Ball at No. 3 doubles.
“With the No. 2 doubles change, Michael and Hunter were able to move down to No. 3 doubles based on team ranks,” Stump noted. “At this level, they both stepped up their game and played their best match of the season.”
The Eagles won four of the six singles matches to secure the dual win.
At No. 1 singles, CJ’s Wilkerson beat Graham 8-3.
“This was Joseph’s first match since April 13,” Stump said. “He isn’t quite at 100 percent strength, but the team was happy to have him back. His presence as our top player lifts the group and allows them to play at their potential.”
Joplin’s Badr defeated Hodson 8-4 at No. 2 singles.
“Adam played quite a few good points in his match,” Stump said. “When he focuses on his technique, he can hit his serves and groundstrokes consistently.”
At No. 3 singles, Mancipe defeated Carl Junction’s Morey 8-4.
“Michael had another consistent match,” Stump said. “He doesn’t make many errors and keeps the point alive longer than anyone else on the team.”
Carl Junction’s Russel defeated Hazlewood 8-3 at No. 4 singles.
“Josiah is getting his serves in more consistently and becoming a better overall player,” Stump noted. “We will continue to work on footwork for groundstrokes so that he can get in a better position to return the ball.”
Merkley beat Wolf 8-3 at No. 5 singles.
“This was Hunter’s first varsity win in singles,” Stump said. “He has shown a lot of growth since last year and is hitting his serves in much more consistently.”
At No. 6 singles, Joplin’s Kester beat Ball 8-1.
“This was also Aidan’s first varsity singles win in a dual,” Stump said. “To win this match, he minimized the unforced errors that had been holding him back.”
