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Blue Springs, MO —
Blue Springs senior Tara Sheehy will never forget her first singles victory over crosstown rival Blue Springs South.
The same thing might be said for South’s No. 2 singles player Remy Davenport, who played a big role in the Jaguars’ 7-2 Suburban Big Six victory over the Wildcats Wednesday afternoon at Wilbur Young Park.
While Sheehy, who had never claimed a singles win against the Jaguars, won at No. 1 singles and again at No. 1 doubles with teammate Lauren Berndt, Davenport and the Jaguars swept the remaining sets to claim the win.
“This is the first time I've won in singles, and it's great to follow that up with the doubles win,” said Sheehy, who topped Madison McCulloch 10-1 and teamed with Berndt for a 10-3 victory over Liia Butler and Isabella Bowling at No. 1 doubles.
“This rivalry isn't as strong as it is in football or basketball or some of the other sports, but it's still big for us, and to be a senior and to win at No. 1 singles for the first time is special.”
Davenport was a member of the junior varsity team last season and made such a dramatic improvement that she is now playing at No. 2 singles and doubles this year.
“I guess I just got tired of playing JV and started working harder,” said Davenport, a 10-3 winner in singles and 10-2 winner at No. 2 doubles with McCulloch. “I don't play year round. Basketball is my No. 1 sport, but I love the girls on this team and I really enjoy playing tennis.
“I'm in the best shape I've ever been in, and it gives me another chance to play Blue Springs. This isn't as big as basketball, but it's still Blue Springs, and it's a good day anytime you can beat the Wildcats.”
Davenport, Butler (10-1), Bowling (10-3), Leah Bell (10-7) and Erica McClain all won in singles, and Bell and McClain won 10-1 at No. 3 doubles. The match featured pro-10 scoring because of the threat of rain.
“This team is so exciting because from No. 1 to No. 9 we have very strong players,” South coach Craig Dierking said after the Jaguars improved to 6-6 overall and 4-1 in the Big Six. “We have really raised our level of competition this year, and that's why our record isn't better.
“We've only lost to Lee's Summit North in conference, and they're loaded. But you look at a player like Remy, who was on junior varsity last year. She has improved so much, and is so much stronger. All the girls came into this season stronger and more focused.”
The Wildcats (3-8, 1-4) start two freshmen and two sophomores in singles, and coach Carrie McAtee said her young team is improving by the week and by the match.
“I'm so happy for Tara because she had a slow start and is playing her best tennis right now,” McAtee said. “The girls are young, and are getting better. South has a nice team. Craig's girls are really competitive – and we're getting more competitive.”
Blue Springs senior Tara Sheehy will never forget her first singles victory over crosstown rival Blue Springs South.
The same thing might be said for South’s No. 2 singles player Remy Davenport, who played a big role in the Jaguars’ 7-2 Suburban Big Six victory over the Wildcats Wednesday afternoon at Wilbur Young Park.
While Sheehy, who had never claimed a singles win against the Jaguars, won at No. 1 singles and again at No. 1 doubles with teammate Lauren Berndt, Davenport and the Jaguars swept the remaining sets to claim the win.
“This is the first time I've won in singles, and it's great to follow that up with the doubles win,” said Sheehy, who topped Madison McCulloch 10-1 and teamed with Berndt for a 10-3 victory over Liia Butler and Isabella Bowling at No. 1 doubles.
“This rivalry isn't as strong as it is in football or basketball or some of the other sports, but it's still big for us, and to be a senior and to win at No. 1 singles for the first time is special.”
Davenport was a member of the junior varsity team last season and made such a dramatic improvement that she is now playing at No. 2 singles and doubles this year.
“I guess I just got tired of playing JV and started working harder,” said Davenport, a 10-3 winner in singles and 10-2 winner at No. 2 doubles with McCulloch. “I don't play year round. Basketball is my No. 1 sport, but I love the girls on this team and I really enjoy playing tennis.
“I'm in the best shape I've ever been in, and it gives me another chance to play Blue Springs. This isn't as big as basketball, but it's still Blue Springs, and it's a good day anytime you can beat the Wildcats.”
Davenport, Butler (10-1), Bowling (10-3), Leah Bell (10-7) and Erica McClain all won in singles, and Bell and McClain won 10-1 at No. 3 doubles. The match featured pro-10 scoring because of the threat of rain.
“This team is so exciting because from No. 1 to No. 9 we have very strong players,” South coach Craig Dierking said after the Jaguars improved to 6-6 overall and 4-1 in the Big Six. “We have really raised our level of competition this year, and that's why our record isn't better.
“We've only lost to Lee's Summit North in conference, and they're loaded. But you look at a player like Remy, who was on junior varsity last year. She has improved so much, and is so much stronger. All the girls came into this season stronger and more focused.”
The Wildcats (3-8, 1-4) start two freshmen and two sophomores in singles, and coach Carrie McAtee said her young team is improving by the week and by the match.
“I'm so happy for Tara because she had a slow start and is playing her best tennis right now,” McAtee said. “The girls are young, and are getting better. South has a nice team. Craig's girls are really competitive – and we're getting more competitive.”
