Waynesville Tennis lost their first match of the season tonight against Lebanon, 1-8.  We had no idea what to expect walking into tonight’s match.  Lebanon’s #1 and #2 were the only two players I had seen play much.  We play summer leagues with Lebanon every year, and these two girls have been regular attendees.  We knew we had a challenge at the top.  However, Lebanon put up a fight in all spots tonight, leaving us with only one doubles win.  Ryhia Stevenson and Mykaela Baze played extremely well together tonight at #2 doubles.  These girls are both hard workers and always seem to remain positive.  This goes so far in the mental game of tennis, and that was proven in their match tonight.  These two communicated so well, and really meshed, despite the little experience they’ve had as doubles partners.  Lindzie King and Mollie Henry also had a great doubles match.  Tonight was their first time playing together as well.  Both of their opponents hit with a lot of slice, which forced us to have to move our feet and really talk to each other.  Henry and Stevenson both played close matches in singles as well.  Stevenson played the longest match of the night, fighting back and forth for the lead.  Being so close to the win multiple times, we ended up letting Lebanon take the win in the end, 7-9.  Henry played a similar match, starting in the lead and eventually falling 5-8 for the final.  With our first taste of match play under our belts, we now know some of our biggest weaknesses.  We know what we need to work on.  Now just finding that practice time is the next task.  With four more matches left this week, the Tigers will go on to play Willow Springs at home tomorrow before hitting the road for a double dual in Springfield Thursday, and then a home match against Richland on Friday. 

Singles

Lindzie King vs. Grace Dow, 3-8

Mollie Henry vs. Kaylee Smith, 5-8

Mykaela Baze vs. Hanna Lowery, 1-8

Ryhia Stevenson vs. Donea Smith, 7-9

Helene Houston vs. Amber Heady, 2-8

Shonda Frazier vs. Zephanie White, 0-8

Doubles

King/Henry vs. Dow/K. Smith, 3-8

Baze/Stevenson vs. Lowery/Heady, 9-7

Houston/Frazier vs. D. Smith/White, 0-8