Bartlesville netters swinging for success
Bartlesville High School’s Johnny Colmenero participates in an earlier meet.
Photo provided by Bartlesville Public Schools
By Mike Tupa
March 28, 2025
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville High School’s tennis team held back some of its firepower but still placed high at Tuesday’s Tahlequah meet.
Head coach Bryan Reese opted to mix in some junior varsity players with his regulars — and Bartlesville still finished third in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions.
Gaining varsity experience for younger players — and some scattered sickness in the varsity lineup — slated to be back next season provided most of the motivations for Reese to use some of his jayvee battlers.
“This is one of our lower end tournaments,” he explained. “Some of these kids will probably play varsity next year. … This was a good opportunity for them to get some reps.”
In the boys competition, jayvee warriors Nick Du turned in a slick effort to finish fourth at No. 1 singles while Tieg Christensen churned to fifth place at No. 2 singles player.
In boys No. 1 doubles, Johnny Colmenero and Carson Covington combined to finish second.
Mark Shaw and Bash Whit joined forces to win the No. 2 doubles title.
For the girls, jayvee players Kayleigh Khan and Ava Dennis each finished four at No. 1 singles and No. 2 singles, respectively.
Claire Auschwitz and Ava Kate Craig powered to third place at No. 1 doubles.
The jayvee duo of Dani Rodriguez and Olivia Vaughan came in third at No. 2 doubles.
“We’re happy with it,” Reese said about Bartlesville’s performance.
Next up, Bartlesville plays this weekend in the tougher Bixby tournament.