Sikeston wins the Charleston Invitational

CHARLESTON, Mo. — The Sikeston girls’ tennis team claimed the team championship at the Charleston Singles Invitational on Monday, September 18.

The Lady Bulldogs (1-7-1) finished the event with four individual champions, Chloe Lin (Flight 1), Saloni Mairsuria (Flight 2), Alana Jones (Flight 4) and Cheyenne Parker (Flight 6).

“Our girls played so well,” said Sikeston coach Lynne DeWitt. “I’m seeing improvement in each match we are playing. I’m so proud of them.”

Lin defeated Caruthersville’s Charlie Burkhalter 6-1, 6-2 and Charleston’s Lily Johnson 6-3, 6-1.

Mairsuria beat Caruthersville’s Alejandra Zuniga 6-2, 6-2 and Charleston’s Amelia Logan 6-2, 7-5.

Jones won 6-3, 6-1 over Cauthersville’s Lillie McMeans and 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 over Charleston’s De’Ziyah Hamilton.

Parker was victorious against Caruthersville’s Anna Warren 6-1, 6-0 and Charleston’s Katrice Brown 6-3, 7-5.

The Lady Bluejays’ (2-7) Olandria Williams won Flight 3 and De’Ava Hamilton won Flight 5.

Williams beat Caruthersville’s Kevonna Gipson 6-2, 6-2 and Sikeston’s Juliet Collins 6-0, 2-0 (Ret.).

De’Ava Hamilton won 6-4, 6-0 over Caruthersville’s Norah Leasure and 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 against Sikeston’s Anna Purves.

“I was pleased with how my girls played,” said Charleston coach Joshua Thompson. “When we played Sikeston last week, we did not play well in singles. [Williams] came out with a point to prove and played her best tennis of the year yesterday. De’Ava Hamilton has come on this year. She has been by far the most improved player during the season. Her stroke is getting a lot more consistent with more power. It was great to see her finish off her match in the third set.

“We host this tournament to be able to allow our kids to play more,” he concluded. “All three teams are pretty similar in skill level so it makes good competitive matches. We don’t play best of three sets in our regular season dual matches, so doing so in our tournament allows us to get ready for post-season play.”

Sikeston will host Caruthersville (0-3-1) on Tuesday, September 19.

Charleston plays Poplar Bluff (6-2-0) at home on Tuesday, September 19.