Berry, Duffy open state tournament play today

~ Central sent players to state for the first time since 2003.

The Central doubles team of David Berry and Patrick Duffy will begin play at the Class 2 state tournament today in Springfield, Mo.

Berry and Duffy, both juniors, will face the team of Jay Kinderknecht and Stefan Nosic of Rock Bridge in the opening round. The event is a double-elimination tournament with consolation and quarterfinal play also taking place today. The semifinal and final round is Saturday.

This will be the first time the Tigers have had either a singles player of doubles team at the state tournament since 2003. Berry and Duffy are 12-3 this season and finished runner-up in District 1. Kinderknecht and Nosic were the District 5 champions and own a 17-8 record.

Central won the Class 2 District 1 tournament this season and made it to the sectional round before falling to DeSmet. DeSmet fell in the quarterfinals to Kirkwood.