CHANUTE — Iola Mustang Keira Fawson qualified for state competition at Saturday’s regional competition in Chanute.
Other schools competing included Independence, Chanute, Parsons, Fort Scott, Labette County and Field Kinley.
Fawson, a junior, reached state for the second time in her high school career after beating out singles players from Fort Scott, Chanute and Labette County.
She began her day knocking off Fort Scott’s Jadyn Messer, 6-0.
Fawson then took a tough loss to Parsons’ Ryan Harris for her lone loss, 5-7, 6-0 and 10-6.
In consolation play, Fawson defeated Chanute’s Aaliyah Colding, 6-2 and 6-2. The Mustang then took down Labette County’s Aubrey Lassen to qualify for state, 6-3 and 7-5.
“Keira is a very talented player who has a lot of natural ability,” said Iola head coach Chris Belknap. “Her serve has come along really nicely since first starting on the team. She is consistent with her shots and gets into some long rallies that are fun to watch, win or lose.”
Fawson placed fifth place overall at the regionals out of 14 single players.
Rebekah Coltrane was the other Iola singles player to compete Saturday. She fell in the first round to Chanute’s Colding, 6-0 and 6-4.
“Rebekah has made amazing strides. Her serve since joining her freshman year is super confident. Her shots are getting better and better by the day. I believe if we put a little more work in, we may have another state-bound singles player next year.” said Belknap.
Both sets of Mustang doubles players were knocked out in the first round. Molly Riebel and Melanie Palmer stumbled to Fort Scott’s Krokroskia and Gorman, 6-1 and 6-0.
“Molly and Melanie are first-year varsity players who made great strides in play and teamwork,” Belknap said. “This was Melanie’s first year playing tennis and Molly started on JV last year. These two will do well next year as they plan on playing together again.”
“The Dream Team” of Kennedy Maier and Genevive Ward lost to Parsons’ Heck and Keathley, 6-0 and 6-1.
“Genevive and Kennedy will be a missed positive duo. Genevive is a senior and my first-ever four-year player,” Belknap said. “Kennedy will have to find a replacement partner with some very big shoes to fill.”
The state tournament is Oct. 14-15 in Prairie Village.
