Emma Watts returned to the lineup and made an immediate impact in doubles, but the Joplin Eagles suffered a 5-4 setback to Branson on Thursday at the JHS courts.
A junior returning state-qualifier, Watts has missed the team’s previous early-season action due to an injury.
On Thursday, Watts teamed up with senior Astrid Cardenas in No. 1 doubles. The Eagles’ duo defeated Branson’s Andrea Fuentes and Madelyn Volz 8-0.
“This was Emma’s first match back, we just played her in doubles to ease her in and it went great,” Joplin assistant coach Richard Perry said.
The Pirates won the other two doubles matches.
Branson’s Chase Carlin and Sylvie Barbour defeated Abry Stayton and Brynn Driver 8-3 at No. 2 doubles, while Brooklyn Buxton and Avery Webber topped Mya Ndedi-Ntepe and Madi Corl 8-4 at No. 3 doubles.
Joplin won three singles matches.
At No. 1 singles, Cardenas defeated Fuentez 8-4.
“Astrid had to battle hard in her singles match, but was able to pull ahead after a back-and-forth start,” Perry noted.
At No. 2 singles, Joplin’s Stayton edged Volz 9-7.
“Abry was behind the whole match until the very end where she was able to find an opening and take it,” Perry said of the sophomore.
At No. 3 singles, Ndedi-Ntepe earned a 9-8 (7-2 tie-breaker) win over Carlin.
“Mya played fantastic in a tough match where she had to play two spots higher,” Perry noted. “She had a match point against her but was able to turn on the heat when the pressure mounted. Once she got in the tie-breaker she went off and was able to cruise to an easy 7-2 finish.”
In other singles matches, Branson’s Barbour topped Driver 8-3, Buxton defeated Corl 8-4 and Webber beat Alex Carson 8-0.
Perry said he and head coach Jeff Williams were definitely pleased with the team’s effort.
“I’m very proud about how hard the girls are fighting while down multiple players,” Perry said, noting that Cloey Blank was out sick on Thursday. “When we all get healthy, I think we will be a scary team.”
Joplin is hosting an invite on Friday. Webb City, College Heights and Springfield Central are also competing at the event, which begins at 10 a.m. at the JHS athletic complex.
