Jarosz, Smith Lead Lady Tigers to Strong Week on the Courts

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. – The Lady Tiger tennis team won two out of three matches last week to improve their season record to 5-2. Three home matches on the Tiger Tennis courts produced wins over Fort Osage and Lexington, with the Belton Pirates handing the Lady Tigers their lone loss of the week.

The Fort Osage matchup began with senior Alicja Jarosz and junior Laney Smith teaming up for an 8-0 win in the No. 1 doubles match. Juniors Ananya Carrel and Olivia Deere followed with an 8-5 victory in the No. 2 doubles match before Fort Osage earned its first of two wins on the night, taking the No. 3 doubles match 8-3 over juniors Kaylee Halfhill and Hailey McDade.

In singles play, Jarosz won the No. 1 match 8-3, and Smith cruised to an 8-0 win at No. 2. Carrel picked up an 8-4 win at No. 3, while Deere dropped a tough 9-7 match at No. 4. McDade claimed the No. 5 match 8-3, and Halfhill finished off the night with a back-and-forth 9-8 victory.

The Belton Pirates defeated the Lady Tigers 7-2 on Sept. 10. Jarosz was part of both Excelsior Springs wins, teaming with Smith for an 8-4 victory in the No. 1 doubles match and later cruising to an 8-1 win in the No. 1 singles match.

“Most of our girls played really well at times, but Belton came in with a talented team and was able to take advantage of some mistakes we made,” coach Richie Marsh said.

The Lady Tigers bounced back Sept. 11 with a dominant 8-1 win over the Lexington Minutewomen. Jarosz and Smith opened doubles play with an 8-1 win, followed by Carrel and Deere taking their match 8-2. McDade and Halfhill closed out doubles with an 8-5 victory.

In singles, Jarosz won 8-4, Smith earned an 8-3 win, and Carrel cruised to an 8-1 victory. Deere battled to an 8-5 win, while McDade fell 8-4. Freshman Cassie Wenz capped the night with an 8-0 sweep in the final match.

This week, the Lady Tigers will face off against Benton at home on Sept. 15 before heading to Winnetonka the following day, Sept. 16.