Fort Scott tennis struggles, finishes third

Friday, September 24, 2010

PITTSBURG, Kan. -- Fort Scott High School's tennis team did not play as strong as head coach Lynn Barr was hoping for in a five-team tournament here Thursday as the Tigers finished in third place.

"Overall, we just didn't play as good a tennis as we needed to today," Barr said. "It was windy, but we can't use that as an excuse, we just weren't as sharp as we needed to be.

"These girls have made a lot of progress this season and this is just another step in that learning process. In order for us to take that next step, we have to learn how to take control and win key points consistently and win those key matches. They have come a long way this season but the season isn't over yet and it's important for everyone to step up their focus and continue to improve in these final weeks of the season."

Three of the four Tiger entries finished 2-2 and placed third in their pools. In No. 1 doubles, Michelle Buntain and Corina Harrison (15-8) defeated Iola's Danette Newland and Autumn Snesrud, 8-7 (7-3), and Columbus' Kelsey Hill/Ryleigh Schoech, 8-2. They lost to Labette's Kaysha Julich/Allie Reynolds, 8-2, and Pittsburg's Sammie Highfield/KaCey Sinclair, 8-7 (7-2).

In No. 2 doubles, Kalia Dancy and Courtney Crain (4-4) defeated Nina Froggatte/Audrey Payne of Iola and Alyssa Goodwin/Bre Mogle of Iola by 8-1 scores. They lost to LC's Kelsey Eckelberry/Lora Nance, 8-3, and Pittsburg's Rashelle Hall/Robin Brummitt, 8-7 (8-6).

Heather Hobbs (4-7) played No. 2 singles and defeated Iola's Hallie Wolf, 8-2, and Columbus' Ashley Simpson, 8-3. She lost to Lakyn Baughman of LCHS, 8-2, and Chaprill Stewart of Pittsburg, 8-4.

Taylor Bailey (5-15) played No. 1 singles and was 1-3. Her victory was against Iola's Jasmine Bannister, 8-4. She lost to LC's Katie Anderson and Columbus' Shaylee Thomas by 8-1 scores and Pittsburg's Ashton Born, 8-0.

Fort Scott will host Nevada in a dual that begins at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday then travel to Chanute Saturday for the Southeast Kansas League Tournament to conclude the regular season.