A heaping helping of some hometown hospitality highlighted Iola High’s day on the tennis courts Thursday.
The Mustangs hosted their only home matches of the season, taking on Columbus and Independence in a triangular competition.
As they’ve done already in the young season, Iola’s singles players Keira Fawson and Miah Shelby, have shown how competition has driven them to improve.
The two players play each other repeatedly for the right to hold the no. 1 singles slot.
“It has really helped improve both players,” IHS head coach Chris Belknap. “And this will only get better as the season progresses.”
Fawson took the no. 1 slot on Thursday, steamrolling to an 8-0 win over Gracie Davolt of Columbus and an 8-1 victory over Karma Roth of Independence.
Shelby was almost as dominant in the no. 2 singles division.
She lso allowed nary a point in dispatching Rebecca Green of Columbus, before finishing the day with an 8-3 win over Kenna Romine of Independence.
The Mustang doubles teams each secured wins as well.
Iola’s no. 1 doubles team of Rebekah Coltrane and Charlie Peters secured a hard-fought tiebreaker win over Macy Allison and Emily Benedict of Columbus, 8-7 (2), before falling, 8-2, to Jordan Wilson and Aubree Bainum of Independence.
“There has been so much improvement going on with this doubles team,” Belknap said.
Last, but not least, Iola’s no. 2 doubles team of Genevive Ward and Kennedy Maier secured their first victory of the year, defeating Ally Smith and Meagan Hosier of Columbus, 8-1.
The Iola pair dropped an 8-0 setback to Independence’s Kaylea Goad and Ava Gustin.
Just as noteworthy, Belknap noted Ward and Maier have drawn praise for their ebullient nature, regardless of the outcome.
“I got to witness the other players telling these girls how nice they were and how fun they made playing tennis,” Belknap said. “They play well and represent Iola with kindness.”
