Lady Mules win first district title since 2003

Members of the Poplar Bluff Lady Mules tennis team celebrate after winning the Class 2 District 1 championship Wednesday at the Poplar Bluff High School tennis courts. It was the team’s first district championship since 2003 and just the third in school history.

Photo provided

The last time the Poplar Bluff Lady Mules won a district title in tennis, none of their current players had been born yet.

The Lady Mules defeated Notre Dame 5-2 on Wednesday afternoon at the Poplar Bluff High School tennis courts to wrap up the Class 2 District 1 championship, their first district title since 2003 — and just the third in school history. Poplar Bluff also won a district title in 1989.

“Tonight was the product of this team working very hard all year,” Poplar Bluff coach Michelle Massey said afterwards. “They didn’t just pack up their racquets when the season ended last year — they stayed active all year by attending lessons, open courts, tennis camps and playing tennis every chance they got.

“They motivated each other this summer leading up to the start of the season — and they came out ready to win. Each girl stayed focused during practice and put the effort into improving on their weaknesses and banking on their strengths. They are extremely deserving of the district title and I’m proud they stayed strong until the end.”

The Lady Mules used a strong start in doubles play to set the tempo as the No. 2 doubles team of Hannah Kee and Hannah Wiseman downed Notre Dame's Harper Rafferty and Ella West 8-1, then the No. 3 team of Elle Wiseman and Meaghan Popp beat Anna Galati and Mia Roe 8-2.

In singles play, Katelyn Booker defeted Caroline Galati 6-1, 6-3, while while Kee beat West 6-4, 6-0, Elle Wiseman beat Ana Galati 6-4, 6-3 and Popp downed Roe 6-1, 6-4 to get the fifth win needed to secure the match — and the district championship.

The Lady Mules take on MICDS from St. Louis County in the state quarterfinals on Monday.