Cape Central turns the tables on Sikeston

Sikeston’s Kinsley Brandon competes during a tennis match at Cape Central on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Despite a series of impressive individual performances, Sikeston ultimately fell 6-3 at Cape Central on Wednesday, Oct. 2, underscoring the theme of parity and unexpected outcomes that defined the day.

“I was hoping for a win, but the team still played well,” said Sikeston coach Lynn DeWitt. “It’s been a hard year, but they’re all improved and I’m proud of them all.”

The paradox of doubles versus singles play was on full display as Lady Bulldogs’ (2-9-1) Kinsley Brandon and Ruby Sullivan narrowly fell 8-6 to the Lady Tigers’ (3-13-0) Lilianna Dubs and Brenna Dunuvan at No. 1 Doubles.

However, the singles matches told a different story. Brandon mounted an impressive comeback at No. 1 Singles, overcoming a 7-3 deficit to win 9-8 in a tiebreaker against Dubs.

“I just slowed everything down in my head,” Brandon said. “That’s what my dad tells me to do a lot. I took it step by step and kept reassuring myself that I would get the next one.”

Meanwhile, Sullivan showcased her control and skill, securing an 8-5 victory over Dunuvan at No. 2 Singles.

“I just had to kind of forget about the score,” Sullivan said. “I just tell myself I need one more point until I win. I just keep that mindset.”

This contrast highlights the unique dynamics of tennis, where players can excel individually even after a doubles setback.

“Both of their single matches were awesome,” DeWitt said. “In the beginning, [Brandon] wasn’t stepping into the ball and it just didn’t seem like she was ready, or getting her feet set. But once she started moving and following through she did much better. [Sullivan] was placing the ball and moving around the court. She did great and dominated her match from the beginning.”

Elsewhere on the court, Sikeston's Cheyenne Parker and Juliet Collins claimed an 8-4 victory over Aubrey Walker and Nicole Sadler in the No. 2 Doubles match.

“[Parker and Collins] have been playing together all year and they’re really coming along,” DeWitt said. “They just communicate with each other so well.”

Yet, the singles matches proved challenging for the duo. Parker fell 8-5 to Walker at No. 3 Singles, while Collins was edged out 8-6 by Zea Grabel at No. 4 Singles.

The lower singles and doubles matches presented further challenges for Sikeston. Sadler triumphed over Sikeston's Selah Torres with an 8-5 win at No. 5 Singles, and Addison Pate defeated Demi Wren 8-2 at No. 6 Singles.

In the No. 3 Doubles match, Grabel and Pate secured a 9-6 victory over Torres and Wren.

With the win, the Lady Tigers avenged a 3-1 loss to the Lady Bulldogs from earlier this season at the Cape Central Team Tournament.

Sikeston is on the road at Saxony Lutheran (11-2), while Cape Central travels to Mehlville (2-6-0) on Monday, Oct. 7.