CHANUTE — Twelve of 16 tennis players were new to the sport. Eight of those were freshmen. One was a senior.
“I was pleasantly surprised at how well they played and how much they improved,” said Jennifer Bycroft, Iola High Fillies’ tennis coach.
The Fillies finished their 2011 season over the weekend at a Kansas Class 4A Regional Tennis Tournament. It was hosted by Chanute High School.
Junior Shyanne Hendry and sophomore Megan Smith posted the lone match win for Iola in the regional. In doubles play, the duo defeated Zoe Foster and Stacy Derfelt of Columbus 9-1.
Hendry and Smith were knocked out of contention on a 6-0, 6-0 loss to Fort Scott’s Michelle Buntain and Corina Harrison. Also in doubles, senior Hannah Barclay and sophomore Katie Lieurance dropped a 6-0, 6-0 decision to Kelsey Porter and Tyra Welch of Independence.
In singles play, junior Katana Smith lost 9-2 to Ottawa’s Elsie Bones. Junior Abbey St. Clair dropped a 9-0 decision to Fort Scott’s Haleigh Whitten.
“Katana’s serves have really improved this year. Abbey is getting stronger and hitting the ball harder. She does a good job placing it,” Bycroft said of the two veterans of the team.
“The kids grew as individuals and to see improvement throughout the season. That’s what you want to see as a coach,” Bycroft said “I’m proud of my players for their sportsmanship and they way they handled themselves on the court even if their opponents didn’t always act the same.”
Bycroft said she is already excited for next year. She said she wanted to thank the parents who came out to support their daughters.
Independence won the regional title with Parsons in second.
Iola moves to the Pioneer League, which does not have tennis but the Fillies will play much the same schedule as they have in the past. They play against Southeast Kansas League teams but will not compete in the SEK league tournament.
