The Joplin High School boys tennis team suffered an 8-1 setback at Republic on Thursday.
Joplin’s lone win came at No. 3 doubles, where Josh Yarnall and Michael Mancipe defeated Republic’s Garrett Carpenter and Jacob Moody 8-6.
“Josh and Michael played a great strategic game,” Joplin coach Aaron Stump said. “They played long rallies, avoided the net player and placed the ball.”
At No. 1 doubles, Republic’s Andrew McMillin-Ian Deckard defeated Logan Merkley-Jeffrey Evenson 8-1, while the team of Braden Snyder-Scott Parker beat Joplin’s Ben Wardlow-Colin Vermillion 8-3 at No. 2 doubles.
In singles play, McMillin edged Merkley 8-5, while Snyder defeated Evenson 8-4.
At No. 3 singles, Republic’s Deckard got past Wardlow 8-5.
“Ben was able to close the gap late in his match to make it close after a slow start,” Stump commented.
Parker topped Mancipe 8-2, Carpenter beat Vermillion 8-4 and Moody defeated Hunter Merkley 8-0.
“Hunter stepped in to play No. 6 singles since Josh Yarnall was unable to compete,” Stump said. “Michael and Colin also had to play up a rank in their singles matches.”
Joplin is scheduled to host an invite on Friday, weather permitting.
