Jackson edges Lady Mules in tennis

Molly Maurer zooms across the tennis court for a backhand hit in doubles for the Lady Mules in a matchup against Jackson at Poplar Bluff High School on Tuesday.

DAR/D'Courtland Christian

Despite the most recent win on Monday against Dexter, the Poplar Bluff High School Lady Mules tennis team was unable to maintain the momentum in a close battle against the Jackson Lady Indians on Tuesday at Poplar Bluff High School.

Jackson redeemed their 5-4 loss from last season and captured a 5-4 win over the Lady Mules. Though the Lady Mules have a 3-2 record early in the season, head coach Michelle Massey said the team is exactly where they need to be.

Poplar Bluff won four of its six singles matches, with wins by No. 1 singles player Kaitlyn Booker (8-2), Molly Maurer (8-6, No. 2 singles), Hannah Kee (8-1, No. 3) and Elle Wiseman (default, No. 5). However, Jackson swept all three doubles matches, including close wins over the No. 1 doubles team of Booker and Maurer (9-7) and No. 3 team of Elle Wiseman and Meghan Popp (8-6).

With a great deal of seniors led by the defending C2D1 champion Kaitlyn Booker, the Lady Mules are headstrong in making the best out of their final season.

“This year we have come out pretty strong,” Massey said. “We’re senior heavy this season, and they are wanting to end on a really good note. They’ve been working hard, and we’re looking to win every time.”

With a couple of seasons under her belt, Massey has stated that the dynamic within the squad is really beginning to gel in her third season with the Lady Mules.

“We're comfortable together,” Massey said. “I can really tell heading into this season that we’re all a team and on a mission. I've gotten to know these girls and their strong points and personalities and we’re just a family out here.”

Poplar Bluff is back in action Friday when they travel up Highway 67 to compete at the Farmington Invitational.