CHANUTE — Iola High’s Fillies were matched up with some tough competition on the tennis courts Thursday.
Megan Smith led the way, capturing an 8-1 victory over Kelci Atkinson of Columbus in no. 1 singles. Smith fell to Katy Short of Pittsburg, 8-1, and Alexis Thuston of Chanute, 8-2.
“Megan had some nice shots, moving her opponent,” Iola head coach Jenn Bycroft said. “The Pittsburg girl is an extremely tough player. I was happy Megan got the win against Columbus.”
Katie Lieurance dealt with illness through her No. 2 singles day. She had to exit her match against Katie Phale of Pittsburg, trailing, 2-0. She forfeited a match against Abby Liudehl of Chanute before recovering enough to play her last match.
She did so with authority, thumping Lexi Murdock of Columbus, 8-1.
Alexis Hobbs and Bobbie Sinclair dropped a pair of No. 1 doubles matches by identical scores of 8-2 to Long and Baden of Pittsburg and Barrick and Angleton of Fort Scott. The duo turned things around in their finale, defeating Zahm and Peterson of Columbus, 8-1.
Shelby Reno and Allyson Hobbs had an exasperating competition, coming close to three victories, but coming up short in each, losing 8-6 to Sullivan and Lundberg of Pittsburg, Markham and Hughes of Chanute and Neal and Burroughs of Coffeyville.
“It’s so hard being this much in the match and losing it.” Bycroft said. “They had some nice shots and showed lots of hustle. They’re starting to communicate better, but we have to start out strong from the very first point all the way to the end. It’s encouraging to see the improvements, though.”
The Fillies will head to the Pittsburg State University campus Thursday for their next competition.
Iola tennis players show net gains in Chanute action
