FORT SCOTT -— Iola High’s Fillies did not win a match Monday at a junior varsity tennis meet hosted by Fort Scott High School.
But Fillies’ head coach Jennifer Bycroft wasn’t concerned.
“These were the first matches ever for these young players,” Bycroft said. “None of them have ever played tennis before now and I was pleased with some of their play Tuesday.”
Bycroft said the girls were nervous going into their first matches. After having the first meet under their belt, Bycroft said the younger players can move forward with more confidence and continue to work on the fundamentals.
Freshman Shelby Reno played in No. 1 singles for Iola and lost three 6-1 decisions to Olivia Laidler of Pittsburg, Krista Hightower of Fort Scott and Taylor Mason of Independence.
At the No. 2 singles spot was junior Shyanne Hendry. She lost 6-1 to Braquel Beachner of Pittsburg, 6-3 to Fort Scott’s Sammi Carr and 6-0 to Halei Matthews of Independence.
Sophomore Alexis Hobbs and freshman Emmalee Seabolt played as Iola’s No. 1 doubles team. They lost 6-2 to Mikayla Pichler and Lauren Sullivan of Pittsburg then dropped back-to-back 6-1 decisions to Brittany Burns and Kandice Rost of Fort Scott and Independence’s Kalei Matthews and Shalei Matthews.
In No. 2 doubles action, Iola freshmen Brianne Jett and Khrystal Smith lost 6-1 to Emily Hicks and Carly Johnson of Pittsburg. They turned around and lost a close 6-4 decision to Aubin Duff and Natalie Carr of Fort Scott. Independence’s Zoe McCollam and Calisse Pappen beat Jett and Smith 6-0.
The Fillies’ tennis team has 16 out this season and eight are freshmen. The next junior varsity action is Sept. 6 hosted by Labette County at Parsons.
Iola’s varsity tennis players open the 2011 season Thursday at Chanute.
Youngsters play JV tennis for Fillies
