It was quite a successful road trip for the Festus Tigers, who took on Potosi in an away tennis match. Both the Varsity and Junior Varsity squads were in action, and both team managed to bring home victories for Festus. Head Coach Angela Tinnin was excited, and said, “The bottom of our singles line-up stayed strong and helped us pull out the win today!”
The Tigers were split in singles matches, winning three and losing three. In fact, the top three players, Ryan Esparza, Daxton Burgett and Paige Wilkinson were defeated in tough matches. However, the bottom three, Dustin Peters, Makenzie McJunkins and Connor Zustiak, all were successful.
Tinnin commented on her bottom three coming up big and said, “Peters beat his opponent 8-0, not allowing a single game. McJunkins trounced her opponent 8-1, allowing only one game. While Zustiak handled his opponent with a score of 8-3.”
Since the singles matches were split, it was up to the doubles teams to get it done. Unfortunately, the number one team of Esparza and Burgett were beaten 8-4. Nonetheless, the two and three teams came through in the clutch. Tinnin noted, “In doubles, McJunkins and Zustiak collected an 8-2 victory, while Wilkinson and Peters overpowered their opponents 8-4.”
Tinnin was also pleased with her JV team’s performance and commented, “Our JV players are getting time on the court during each Varsity match, and it is beginning to show. They are gaining experience, playing in doubles situations, while sharpening the newly acquired skills they have learned. I am so excited to see their continued improvement as the season progresses!”
In the JV results, Jake Steward and Josie Allen won 6-4. Lily Knickman and Lilly Besore also won, 6-5. Max Richardson and Regan Hanewinkel defeated their opponents 6-3. Cletus Pippin and Chaz Seitz brought home a 6-1 win. Finally, Emma Vivrett and McKenna Rhine also won 6-1. Ava Beers and Saigel Mickan did not finish their match.
Excited after the team’s victory, Tinnin mentioned, “I am super proud of the effort, and enthusiasm these athletes, and our entire team, are putting forth! They are becoming more confident in their serving, groundstrokes and net play with each match.”
The Tigers have played well this week, and will now have a few days to sharpen their claws, as they prepare for a match against Crystal City on Wednesday, April 7th.
