The Joplin High School girls tennis team sent its seniors out with a win, as the Eagles defeated Neosho 9-0 on Tuesday at the JHS courts.
The team’s seniors, Astrid Cardenas, Cloey Blank and Madi Corl, were recognized.
“Our seniors are all going to be missed,” JHS assistant coach Richard Perry said. “While we were saying goodbye to our seniors, we also got a chance to get matches for our younger girls that want to take the spots they are leaving open.”
In doubles, Joplin’s Cardenas and Emma Watts defeated Neosho’s Jasmine Martinez and Lyndsey Doke 8-0 to remain unbeaten.
“Astrid and Emma improved to 20-0 on the season in doubles tonight with a convincing win,” Perry said. “I sat them out of singles to get some of our other girls some experience and it lets them rest some before the conference tournament tomorrow.”
At No. 2 doubles, Blank and Brynn Driver beat Alexandra Olsbo and Georgia Housh 8-1, while Jadyn Elder and Alex Carson defeated Keely Keeton and Sydnee Minton 8-0 at No. 3 doubles.
“Alex and Jadyn have been playing well together all season on JV, so I wanted to see how they would do with the extra pressure,” Perry said. “And they played lights out, not dropping a single game.”
In singles, Abry Stayton defeated Martinez 8-1, Mya Ndedi-Ntepe topped Doke 8-3 and Blank beat Oslbo 8-0.
Driver defeated Housh 8-1, Corl defeated Keeton 8-4 and Zayda Derganc beat Minton 8-0.
“Abry played up to No. 1 tonight and did a great job getting the win,” Perry said. “Mya had a tough start at No. 2 but she was able to pull away after getting up 4-3. Cloey and Brynn did great in both of their matches. Cloey was able to get a solid win at No. 3 which was great for her on Senior Night. Brynn played the highest spot on the team that she has ever had to at No. 4, but she handled the pressure amazingly. Madi got her first varsity singles win tonight. Zayda had a great match today, also getting her first varsity singles win tonight.”
The Central Ozark Conference tournament is slated for Wednesday at JHS.
