HIGH SCHOOLS: JHS TENNIS TEAM ENTERS 4A DISTRICT UNBEATEN

The Jackson High School girls tennis team had a sensational regular season, going 13-0 in dual matches to stamp itself as the top squad in Southeast Missouri.

Now the Lady Indians will set their sights on continuing that success in the postseason as they shoot for the Class 4A, District 1 Tournament championship.

Nine teams will take part in Thursday's tourney, which will begin at 9:30 a.m. on the new courts at Southeast Missouri State University. The tournament was originally scheduled to be played in Farmington, but was moved early this week.

"I feel like we have a pretty good chance, but you can't be overconfident," said Jackson coach Linda Adams. "There will be some other good teams."

Adams pointed out that the format for the district meet is much different than that of dual matches. In duals, six singles and three doubles matches are contested. In districts, each team enters two singles participants and two doubles squads, with the team that scores the most points emerging as champion.

"It's a whole lot different," she said. "Teams that are the best in dual matches aren't necessarily the best in the (district) tournament."

The top two squads in the district qualify for the team sectional competition that will be held Oct. 14. The top two singles and doubles finishers qualify for the individual state tournament, set for Oct. 20-21 in Springfield.

Joining Jackson in the district field will be Cape Girardeau Central, Poplar Bluff, Farmington, Eureka, Lindbergh, Mehlville, Oakville and Rockwood Summit.

"Poplar Bluff will be strong and so will Oakville and Lindbergh," Adams said.

Cape Central has won the past four district titles, but the Lady Tigers -- who suffered through a 1-10 dual-match season -- don't figure to challenge for one of the top spots this time around.

"I expect Jackson to win it," said Cape Central coach Bud Craven. "We're just hoping to gain some experience."

* Charleston will shoot for its ninth straight district title when the Class 1A-3A, District 2 Tournament is held Thursday in Sikeston. Action will begin at 9:30 a.m.