PB’s Booker repeats as district singles champ

For the second-straight year, the Class 2, District 1 girls singles champion is coming back to Poplar Bluff as Lady Mule junior Kaitlyn Booker cruised to victory on Thursday in Farmington.

Booker took down players from St. Pius X and Notre Dame before beating St Pius X.s Carolyne Argana 6-4, 6-2 in the championship match.

Despite coming in as the reigning champ, Booker admitted she didn’t have as much confidence going into Thursday but she still got the job done. She said she wanted to prove last season wasn’t just luck.

“I’m really happy with my performance today,” she said.

Booker wasn’t the only member of the Lady Mules to bring home some hardware as Ava Richardson and Hannah Kee finished third in the doubles tournament. The pair beat Sikeston (6-0, 6-1) and Farmington (6-1, 6-3).

Poplar Bluff head coach Michelle Massey said she’s proud of how her team played, especially those that were able to medal.

“Kaitlyn set goals for herself after making it to state last year and out in the work to make it happen,” she said. “She stayed strong & consistent today. She can definitely stay mentally tough when the pressure is on and I believe that’s what makes her a champion.

“Richardson and Kee taking third place in doubles was also a highlight today. Richardson is fighting a back injury but powered through and the girls came back from being down 0-5 to winning 7-5 in their first set. Both girls stayed focused and played aggressive.”

Massey said the momentum from Thursday will definitely help going forward.

“These big wins today give us confidence going forward to the state tournament as well as for our next season,” she said. “We will have a good amount of returners next year and the hard work they put in is contagious with the rest of the team.”

The Lady Mules continue postseason play Monday when they take on Sikeston in the Class 2, District 1 Team Tournament.