Tiger netters open season with tournament title

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

By Matt Resnick | Daily Mail Sports Editor

The Nevada Tiger varsity tennis team is all smiles after collecting a season-opening championship at the Fort Scott Invitational Tuesday evening. Pictured from left: Caleb Theis, Evan Rea, Spencer Hawkins, Gabe Barnes, Colson Fisher, and Tanner Gotschall.

Submitted photo

The Nevada Tiger tennis team opened its 2019 campaign on a high-note, claiming a tournament championship at Tuesday’s Fort Scott (Kan.) High School Invitational.

As a team, Nevada went 3-0, defeating a trio of Kansas schools — host Fort Scott, Pittsburg , and Columbus. Additionally, Nevada combined to go 12-0 in its varsity singles and doubles matches.

“We had a great first match of the 2019 season,” said an elated Nevada head coach, Clayton Wheeler. “We swept all divisions of the tournament.”

Nevada’s top singles players, Colson Fisher and Gabe Barnes, placed first — as did the Tigers’ top two doubles tandems.

“You couldn’t ask for a better night,” said Wheeler. “This is how you start the season on a high-note, and build confidence (going forward). We completely dominated tonight.”

NHS RESULTS

— No. 1 singles —

• Colson Fisher (3-0) vs. Asa Hulvey (Columbus), 8-2 Win; vs. Keith Perkins (Pittsburg) 8-2 Win; vs. Jaydn Royal-Bey (Fort Scott) 7-1 (Retired-injury) Win.

— No. 2 singles —

• Gabe Barnes (3-0) vs. Tucker Peine (Columbus) 8-3 Win; vs. Joseph Lee (Pittsburg) 8-3 Win; vs. Wes Pellett (Fort Scott) 8-2 Win.

— No. 1 doubles —

• Tanner Gotschall/Caleb Theis (3-0) vs. Jake Jarrett/Preston Millere (Columbus) 8-2 Win; vs. Carter Utley/Aiden Harries (Pittsburg) 8-1 Win; vs. Allen Santana/Nick Patton (Fort Scott) 8-1 Win.

— No. 2 doubles —

• Evan Rea/Spencer Hawkins (3-0) vs. Jackson Osburn/Trenton Moyer (Columbus) 8-0 Win; vs. Jacob Mathew/Hayden Drake (Pittsburg) 8-0 Win; vs. Hollis Reeves/Sage Hill (Fort Scott) 8-0 Win.

“Our five seniors that played tonight — Tanner, Colson, Gabe, Caleb, and Spencer played above expectations,” noted Wheeler. The only freshman on varsity, Even Rea, had a great first match, of not only varsity tennis, but his first tennis match period. We look forward to seeing where this team goes.”