CHANUTE — After just eight practices, it’s difficult enough for a coach to remember players’ names let alone put together a varsity lineup.
Nevertheless, tennis head coach Jenn Bycroft took the Iola Fillies to Chanute to compete in their first varsity meet of the season on Thursday night. And because Bycroft’s time with the team was limited due to a shortened practice schedule, the 10th year head coach used the meet as a tryout of sorts in order to determine who exactly belongs on varsity.
“It’s kind of early still because we’ve only had one JV and one varsity meet,” Bycroft said. “Next week at home, we’ll play three matches so probably by the time it’s done leading into that following week, I think I will know (the lineup).”
On Thursday, senior Bobbi Sinclair and senior Chyanne Vaughn made their case to remain as the team’s No. 1 and No. 2 players, respectively.
Sinclair won two of her four matches (one by forfeit) while Vaughn won one. Although their records weren’t stellar, both seniors showed steady progress from where they left off last season.
As for the younger players, Macayla Bycroft and Erin Klubek proved to be a dynamic doubles team, winning three of their four matches.
The duo competed in the JV meet Monday in Fort Scott, but the sophomores made their case to remain on varsity after playing efficiently together in Chanute.
Iola’s varsity squad will take the court Thursday at home when it hosts Independence, Parsons and Columbus.
Iola Fillies varsity tennis team starts season
