Claremore tennis hosts Bixby in regional tune-up
Apr. 30—Claremore-Bixby has become a friendly rivalry on the tennis courts in recent years.
"This match originated because (Bixby coach) Doug Hennigan and I have known each other for so long," Claremore coach Mike Larimer said. "I called Doug and said, 'Hey, I think we oughtta get you guys up here', and we've done it for the last three or four years. It's going to be a normal thing we do as long as me and Doug are around."
The schools met again Thursday in Claremore for a final tune-up before the regional tournaments begin next week, providing some interesting matchups.
The Lady Spartans, who are the defending Class 6A champions, did not compete with their full varsity roster.
In perhaps the most exciting match of the afternoon, Lady Zebras senior Erin Kuykendall outlasted Macy Mueller in three sets — 6-3, 3-6, 10-8 — in No. 1 singles. Kuykendall scored the final two points, breaking what was an 8-all tie. She has now won 15 of her past 16 matches, bringing her overall record to 17-3.
"It was kind of a roller-coaster match," Larimer said. "She was up early in the tiebreaker, and then it got even. At 8-all, she obviously won a big point to get that match point. Unfortunately, the Bixby girl kinda double faulted there at the end. Young players have to get that first serve when it matters. It's just a learning experience for the Bixby girl, but it is what it is. We'll take it on that one."
Kylee Ohman, a junior, picked up a win as well in No. 2 singles, defeating Maddie Thompson to improve to 16-4 on the season.
"Kylee would've started last year, but this is her first year, and she's had a pretty good year," Larimer said. "She hustles to everything, keeps the ball in play and she's like a bulldog. She is not going to cave in very quickly."
In doubles action, Daley Reynolds and Kinsey Singer won No. 1 doubles over Natallie Mitchell and Peyton Wilkerson to earn their 15th win, while Molly Andrews and Ella Claborn fell in No. 2 doubles to Jenna Epperly and Ellie Scott in three sets.
On the boys side, Tanner Steidley continued his dominance in No. 2 singles with a win over Preston Sipes.
That victory improved the junior's record to an impressive 27-3 this season.
"He's had probably the best season, and if he gets his head on right and gets things rolling here, we could get up to the semifinals and possibly the finals of 5A 2 singles."
Preston Peck joined him in the win column, improving to 20-6 in No. 1 singles after taking down Luke Wyatt.
The Zebras split the doubles matches with Bixby, for Parker Green and Beau Parsons bested Noah Rice and Jackson Guest in No. 2 doubles while Michael McHugh and Jarred Warren lost to Kolten Smith and Ryan Stallsmith.
"My doubles teams are pretty even; not much separates them," Larimer said. "Jarred serves real well, and that helps him. He has a nice forehand. Beau and Parker Green are getting a chance to play in the state tournament as seniors."
The girls travel to Cascia Hall on Monday for the Class 5A Regional II Tournament, joining Collinsville, Del City, Edison, Memorial, Sapulpa and Skiatook.
The boys host Class 5A Regional II the following Monday on May 10, welcoming the likes of Collinsville, Durant, Edison, Memorial, Pryor, Riverfield Country Day and Skiatook.
"We're a lot better than we started, and we keep gradually getting better," Larimer said. "We're hoping to peak at the right time at regionals. That's the standard here."
