Fillies’ tennis season ends at regionals

Sports

October 8, 2012 - 12:00 AM

INDEPENDENCE — The Iola High Fillies’ tennis season came to an end over the weekend, and while two high school careers came to an end, there lies promise for the future.
Iola competed in the Class 4A Regionals Friday and Saturday, hosted by Independece.
Katana Smith’s senior year came to an end with a 9-5 loss to Aubrie Navarro.
Classmate Abbey St. Clair’s season ended in doubles play, where she and Alexis Hobbs fell to Baden and Long of Pittsburg High 6-2, 6-3.
“Katana has played since her freshman year and has improved so much just within the last two years,” tennis coach Jenn Bycroft said. “She’s a great kid and has come a long ways. I will miss her encouragement, especially with the younger players.
“St. Clair and Hobbs were 2-2 against Pitt all season, playing some different girls each time,” Bycroft continued. “This was just not our day to have the victory. I was sad for both of them, especially Abbey because this is also her senior year. She came as a shy freshman and has blossomed, not only as a player, but also an individual. Alexis was a good doubles partner for her, and I look forward to watching her play again next year. They were just a fun team for me to watch.”
Megan Smith also competed in singles, falling 9-3 to Ashley Simpson of Columbus.
“This was a tough match for Megan,” Bycroft said. “But I was proud of how she played and didn’t give up. This was one of her better matches.”
Iola’s other doubles team, sophomore Shelby Reno and freshman Bobbi Sinclair, fell to Werts and Coss of Labette County 9-4.
“For as young as they are, they played well together,” Bycroft said. “They started communicating on the court a lot more as the season went on. I expect big things from (them) next year.
“This is always a tough time for me as another season comes to an end,” Bycroft continued. “These girls are like family to me, sharing many ups and downs. It’s a blessing for me to be able to coach each of them. They all had a good season, and I’m proud of them. We won some, we lost some, but I’m most proud of their sportsmanship and love it when other coaches, players and parents take notice of that.”

Related
October 10, 2018
October 12, 2013
October 9, 2012
September 27, 2012