Waynesville Tennis started the season off right with an 8-1 win in the first match of the season.  The first match is always a challenge. With MSHSAA requiring students have 14 practices before competition, we are always short a few players for the first match due to athlete absences.  That, topped with Spring Break travel and first game jitters, the first match can always warrant for trial on the court.  This year, we were down an all-time high of 6 players gone.  Dipping to our 9-seeded player to finish out our Varsity lineup, the boys still came to fight and gain the victory over Houston.  Starting in the hole in doubles, the match looked worrisome in the beginning.  The Tigers pulled out though and took major leads, winning all three doubles challenges.  With all new doubles partners this year, I was proud of the boys and their ability to communicate and work together in these new roles.  In singles, we saw great success as well.  Steven Berrios took a loss to a seasoned player who has played in the #1 spot for multiple years now.  I’m extremely proud of Steven.  He’s one of my first athletes who have played all four years for me, and I’ve seen him make so much improvement.  Playing two sports right now, tennis and drill team, he’s having to balance two teams.  Still yet, Steven leads our team at the #1 spot.  He is extremely dedicated and works so hard.  He’s stepped into this very difficult spot, facing some of Missouri’s hardest high school competitors.  Bryan Hudson also had a great night. Making his debut as a Varsity athlete, Bryan won his first two matches at the Varsity level.  Due to some Spring Break absences, Bryan jumped up from the #9 spot to #6.  Bryan brought his A game though, winning 8-4 in singles and 8-6 in doubles. 

Singles

Steven Berrios vs. Lucas Kelley, 4-8

Tyler Gayman vs. Grady Todd, 8-5

Derick Anglin vs. Trenton Smith, 8-3

Cameron Martell vs. Isaiah Buse, 8-3

Eromo Aligbe vs. Marley Stoops, 8-3

Bryan Hudson vs. Celina Castleman, 8-4

Doubles

Berrios/Anglin vs. Kelley/Todd, 8-2

Gayman/Martell vs. Smith/Buse, 8-3

Aligbe/Hudson vs. Stoops/Castleman, 8-6