The Waynesville Tennis team got a tough start to their spring season tonight with a 0-9 loss to Jeff City.  With a rainout Monday, the Tigers were forced to begin their season with the always-tough Jeff City Jays.  We knew going into this match that tonight would be a learning experience for us.  We walked into each match knowing this, and we tried to walk off each court having learned something about the game.  With a total of 25 young men on the team, this season has had a hectic start.  Going from 15 boys last year, to 25 this year means we have a lot of new faces to the sport – and with that comes excitement. It’s exciting to see so many boys seek interest in such an uncommon sport.  It’s exciting to see such a bright future for this program.  However, with only 14 days to prepare so many beginners for match #1, large numbers can make this a challenge.  Fortunately, the Tigers are always up for the challenge. 

We knew tonight wouldn’t give us the best assessment of where we are as a team. Despite a 2^nd place finish in Districts last year, we still lost 0-9 to Jeff City at the start of the season last year.  That is not uncommon.  They’re just a different caliper team.  Thankfully, our eyes are now open to what we’re up against and how hard we must work to have a successful season.  Now, we must take that vision and use it in our advantage. 

Starting with doubles tonight, we took quick losses on all courts.  I was, however, impressed to see Soph. Shawn Berrios step up to Varsity this year and take over his brother’s former position on the #1 court.  Playing JV last year, Shawn moved all the way up to the #1 doubles seed and handled the position well.  This kid is an athlete and has made great strides in his tennis game in the off-season.  A multiple-sport athlete, Shawn also plays basketball for the Tigers.  He loves tennis, and he brings a smile and awesome attitude to the court every day.  Unfortunately, Shawn faced quite the obstacle tonight in singles when he rolled his ankle, forcing a forfeiture of the match.  Out with an ankle sprain most of basketball season, Shawn was hoping to finish tennis season injury-free. This injury didn’t take away his smile, however, as we cheered on his team the rest of the match.  Hopefully, he’ll be back on court soon.  Sr. Cameron Martell had a great singles match tonight, dropping only 5-8 to his opponent.  This was a very close match, taking the Jay to deuce nearly every game.  Cameron has come so far in his game since freshman year.  He’s a smart player.  Coming this close to Jeff City this early in the season gave him hope for the rest of his season.

The Tigers will finish up their week as they take on the Rolla Bulldogs tomorrow night at home.  

Singles

David Sneed vs. Karsten Mcmillan, 1-8

Tyler Gayman vs. Josh Wilde, 0-8

Cameron Martell vs. Atul Krishnadas, 5-8

Shawn Berrios vs. Tanner Haugen, FF (Inj.)

Caleb Andrews vs. Alec Krumm, 4-8

Andrew Esguerra vs. Tarun Bathini, 2-8

Doubles

Sneed/Berrios vs. Mcmillan/Haugen, 2-8

Gayman/Martell vs. Wilde/Krishnadas, 0-8

Andrews/Esguerra vs. Krumm/Bathini, 0-8