By Grant Barrett, Ad Astra Radio
LINDSBORG, Kan. – All four McPherson Boys Tennis entries finished with a winning-record on Tuesday, on their way to finishing fifth, competing against 14 teams in the Hesston Invitational that was held in Lindsborg.
“What was thought to be a rough day for weather actually was a nice overcast day with not much wind.” noted Head Coach Tyler Brown. Three entries would win their first round matches, the doubles duo of Kayden McVicker and Alex Berger won their first two matches before falling in the fifth place game, finishing a team-high 6th for McPherson.
After falling in their second match, Viggo McHenry and Hunter Mendez would win their next two matches in the second round consolation bracket, and later ended the day with a win to claim 11th.
Bryson Archer won his first match before falling to Smoky Valley’s Max Bieker, he then won the next two before falling in the 9th place match. Ethan Elder fell in his first match, but won his first round match in the consolation bracket, and ended the day finishing 21st.
Following the tournament, Coach Brown mentioned several close matches some of the guys would’ve liked to have back, saying “I didn’t feel like we played our best tennis today, but to finish fifth out of fourteen teams, I thought was really good with all things considered.” He said, “The main goal will be to have everyone healthy and playing their best come next Thursday for Regionals.”
Leading up to Regionals, the Bullpups will host the Doug Gayer Classic at 10 a.m. Saturday. Then on Monday, they will compete at the AVCTL Meet in Wichita. Coach Brown talked about continuing to develop as they prepare to conclude the regular season, saying, “We have a lot of tennis in a short amount of time, so we have the opportunity to improve and get better each time we take the court.
Below are the team and individual results from Tuesday’s Hesston Invitational:
Buhler 107
Hesston 99
Wichita Trinity Academy 99
Smoky Valley 89
McPherson 73
Marysville 73
Central Plains 73
Conway Springs 60
Wichita Collegiate 59
Newton 50
Hutchinson Trinity Catholic 48
Salina Sacred Heart 37
Abilene 18
Hillsboro 5
Individual Results:
Bryson Archer 3-2 (10th)
Ethan Elder 3-2 (21st)
Kayden McVicker / Alex Berger 3-2 (6th)
Viggo McHenry / Hunter Mendez 3-2 (11th)
