Branson Boys Tennis Beats Glendale For First Time In Program History

By Don Eskins

Springfield, Mo. — The Branson Pirates are on a roll. Following an opening season loss to Springfield Catholic the Pirates have reeled off two wins in a row.

Last week the Pirates snuck by the Ozark Tigers 5-4 and yesterday afternoon, at Glendale, they thumped the Glendale High Falcons 8-1.

“We’ve been O-for-the-entire program against Glendale. They’ve been that dominating,” said Branson head coach Sean Kembell. “I knew though that this was the year to beat them if we were ever going to do it. They’re rebuilding this year and we brought with us a pretty good team.”

“Our kids wanted to win this one badly and they got it done,” said the coach. “I’m extremely proud of them all. Today’s victory was also a district win and it should help us out a lot when it comes time for district tournament seedings.”

CLICK HERE FOR BRANSON VS. GLENDALE PHOTOS

The victory pushed Branson’s dual meet record up to 2-1 and it should be no surprise that the Pirate’s confidence is at an all-time high.

“We have a good team this year. Wins over Ozark and Glendale have given us a lot of confidence,” Jonathan Scribner said. “We’re ready to move forward now.”

“The two wins feel great,” said the Pirate’s Zach Bliss. “We’ve been working hard for this season since summer. We want to be conference and district champions this year.”

Branson jumped out in front of the Falcons early grabbing victories in all three opening doubles matches. They then went on to take five of six singles matches to claim the 8-1 win.

Only Falcon senior Josh Zhilin was able to salvage a victory against the Pirates.

“My opponent, Matt Coleman, was a very good player,” Zhilin said. “I think I was just more consistant with my shots than he was today.”

Glendale head coach Mark Penticuff says that his troops are in unfamiliar territory after having lost so many from last year’s club. But, as he puts it, the Falcons are up to the challenge.

“I was really proud of our kids today,” said Penticuff. “They didn’t get down at all. They looked at the positives. Even though most lost, they felt that had a few points gone their way they they may have had an opportunity to win today. I think, down the road, we’re going to be alright.”

The Pirates will entertain Nixa today and West Plains on Thursday. The Falcons will travel to Kickapoo today and meet Jefferson City on Friday.

Glendale vs Branson Results:

Doubles: No. 1- (B) Matt Coleman- Zach Bliss def. (G) Josh Zhilin- Drake Stephens 8-5; No. 2- (B) Caleb Snyder- Jonathan Scribner def (G) Roman Thomas- Ali Hassan 8-5; No. 3- (B) Luke Bowling- Trey Carlin def (G) Brandon Rader- Nate Howard 8-5.
Singles: No. 1- (G) Josh Zhilin def (B) Matt Colemen 8-4; No. 2- (B) Zach Bliss def (G) Drake Stephens 8-2; No. 3- (B) Caleb Snyder def (G) Roman Thomas 8-4; No. 4- (B) Luke Bowling def (G) Brandon Rader 8-3; No. 5- (B) Jonathan Scribner def (G) Ali Hassan 8-1; No. 6- (B) Aaron Whited def (G) Nate Howard 8-5.