CHANUTE — The Iola High School Mustangs opened the season by taking third at the Chanute Girls Tennis Invitational Thursday evening.
Although not taking the top spot in either singles or doubles action, each of Iola’s competing individuals and teams experienced a level of success.
“We were represented well by Bethany Miller, Abby Jerome, Marlee Westhoff, Madelyn Ashworth, Evie Schooler and Piper Jordan,” Iola coach Chris Belknap said. “Piper got to go to her first ever tennis meet and compete on our varsity team playing doubles with Evie. The duo did so well. This season is going to be fun.”
Miller, a senior, placed third at the round-robin tournament. After falling in the opener to Lucy Pearson of Labette County 6-3, Miller rebounded with a 6-3 victory over Kate Westoff of Neodesha. She ended the day with a 6-1 loss to eventual tournament champion Sarah Uhner of Chanute.
As the Mustangs No. 1 doubles team, Westoff and Ashworth took third place. They fell in straight sets in their first match to Sierra Hill and Amelia Carnahan of Labette County. The duo rebounded by defeating Meg West and Amelia Oldweiler of Neodesha 6-1. They then lost 6-1 to Ashlyn Cummings and Kanika Marcoux of Chanute, the eventual tournament champion.
Iola No. 2 singles player Jerome improved from opponent to opponent but could not string enough points together for a win. She opened the tournament with a 7-5 loss to Makenna Burke of Labette Co., then fell to Savannah Kelley of Neodesha 6-2. Jerome wrapped up the tournament with a loss to eventual No. 2 champion Brylin Ward of Chanute in straight sets.
Jordan, a freshman, teamed up with Evie Schooler in No. 2 doubles. The pair fell in their opener to Alexis Spender and Hadley Graves of Labette County, 6-1, then fell in straight sets to Sophia Guan and Gracie Love of Neodesha. The duo wrapped up the tournament with a loss in straight sets to eventual tournament champions Rylee Dent and Averee Hicks of Chanute.
Marlee Westoff digs up a shot during Thursday’s round robin tournament. Westoff and Madelyn Ashworth took third in doubles.
The Mustangs host the Comets Thursday, Sept. 4. First serve is 3 p.m.
