Led by four wins in singles play, the Joplin High School boys tennis team defeated Carl Junction 5-4 on Tuesday at the JHS athletic complex.
The Eagles dropped two of three doubles matches, but then won four of the six singles matches to earn a close dual victory.
“Carl Junction played well,” Joplin coach Aaron Stump said. “They had an interesting doubles lineup, pairing their No. 1 and No. 11 ranked players, which worked to their advantage. We were able to win four singles matches to take the match.”
At No. 1 doubles, Joplin’s Logan Merkley and Jeffrey Evenson defeated Connor Sztamenits and Cade Wilkerson 8-4.
“Logan and Jeffrey communicated well during their doubles match,” Stump commented. “They played with confidence and had few unforced errors.”
Carl Junction’s Josecito Figueroa Quezada and Jordan Markham defeated Joplin’s Ben Wardlow and Colin Vermillion 8-4.
“The Carl Junction team had nice lobs and placed the ball well against us with any short hits,” Stump said.
In the No. 3 doubles match, Carl Junction’s Blaine Wilkerson and Nicholas Neal edged Josh Yarnall and Michael Mancipe 8-6.
At No. 1 singles, Merkley beat Blaine Wilkerson 8-2.
“Logan studied his opponent’s style of play early in the match and was able to counter it,” Stump noted. “He kept the ball in play and attacked when he had the opportunity.”
Evenson beat Connor Sztamenits 8-2 at No. 2 singles.
“Jeffrey played with consistency,” Stump said. “He had a strong serve and placed subsequent shots with power and efficiency.”
Wardlow defeated Cade Wilkerson 8-4 at No. 3 singles.
“Ben brought his A-game into the singles match,” Stump said. “He was hitting his serves better than I’ve seen in recent matches.”
Yarnall beat Easton Szatamenits 8-1 at No. 4 singles.
“Josh adjusted his strategy from previous matches and competed well,” Stump commented. “It was nice to have him available for singles, especially since his victory won the match for Joplin.”
Carl Junction won at No. 5 and No. 6 singles, as Quezada defeated Mancipe 8-4 and Markham topped Vermillion 8-3.
“Michael and Josecito were very evenly matched,” Stump said of the No. 5 match. “They played some of the longest rallie we’ve seen all season.”
Joplin hosts Willard on Thursday, while Carl Junction hosts Branson on Thursday.
