Mustangs holding serve

Iola HIgh's tennis team continues to hold strong against tough competition this season. The Mustangs competed Tuesday in Pittsburg.

Sports

April 14, 2021 - 10:11 AM

Riccardo Barbarossa returns a shot in a tennis match for Iola High earlier this season. Photo by Richard Luken / Iola Register

PITTSBURG — Iola High’s tennis team continues to show growth as the season progresses.

The Mustangs traveled to Pittsburg Tuesday to face a number of faces, both new and old.

Riccardo Barbarossa captured third place in No. 1 singles, dropping his only match, 8-6, to a powerful player from Bishop Miege, Iola head coach Chris Belknap said.

Sam Fager, meanwhile, continues to make strides in No. 2 singles action, going 1-2.

“Sam is really good at matching his opponent and keeping the games very close,” Belknap said.

Landon Carson and Patrick Weaver also went 1-2, including dropping a thrilling 8-6 decision to a pair from Chanute.

“Their playing has improved,” Belknap said, as illustrated by the duo’s work against Chanute’s powerful serves.

“Both Landon and Patrick have begun handling them like normal serves,” a pivotal mark in their development, Belknap said. 

“Overall, it was a very good day of tennis,” he said. “And we are all thankful for less wind.”

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