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Record making year for Lady Bears Tennis

Willow Springs Lady Bears tennis have closed one of the most successful seasons in school history. With three tournament wins, MSHSAA records, and a school-first win against Rogersville, the 17-4 season is one to remember. 
The Lady Bears chalked up the most wins the tennis program has ever had, reported coach David Cox. They walked away with first place trophies in the Joplin, Forsyth, and Osage Tournaments.
In district play, the team also performed well. All six varsity players medaled at the Individual District Tournament. In the team competition at districts, Willow Springs took the runner-up title against defending state champions, Kennett. One varsity player, Claire Clarkston, competed at the MSHSAA State Sectionals. 
Three players' performances this season found their way into MSHSAA record books. The doubles team of McKylie Cox and Madi Perkins finished the year with a record of 25-5, which is a record that ties for 24th place in Missouri history. Cox also finished the year with a combined singles and doubles record of 42-10. Only ten other players in the history of the state of Missouri have ever had a better season record, Coach Cox reported. In her four years of varsity tennis, Cox has a record of 129-39, which is the 15th best record in state history. 
Coach Cox attributes this team's hard work to train in the off-season. 
"They work hard outside of our practice time," he said. "These girls have really invested in our program."
As for Coach Cox, McKylie, a senior, is his last daughter to play tennis for the Willow Springs Bears, but he said he is by no means ready to step away from the program. 
"I have a whole slew of daughters because of tennis," he joked. "I love it, and the girls who are continuing are like my daughters."
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Howell County News

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