Four local tennis players set to compete in state tournament

Three local high school tennis players are set to compete in the Class 2 boys tennis individual state tournament at Cooper Tennis Complex in Springfield. Helias junior Coen Loethen, Jefferson City senior Arjun Garikapaty, and Capital City seniors Isaiah Schnoebelen and junior Ethan McNutt are among the 48 competitors vying for the state title.

Loethen, the Class 2 District 5 singles champion, will face off against Willard’s Seth Miller in the opening round. Garikapaty, who had a strong showing in the district tournament, will take on Platte County’s Gavin Nichols. Schnoebelen and McNutt, the District 5 doubles champions, will compete against Holt’s Jack Stillman and Mabry Madden.

The state tournament features a double-elimination format, with players needing to win two matches on the first day to advance to Friday’s competition. A win on Friday would secure them all-state honors.

Today’s matches include the first round, loser’s bracket first round, quarterfinals, and loser’s bracket quarterfinals. Friday’s action will see the winner’s bracket semifinals, loser’s bracket semifinals, and placement matches, with the first-place matches scheduled for noon.

The local players are ready to showcase their skills and compete against the best in the state. Stay tuned for updates on their progress in the tournament.