Platte County tennis whips Liberty North, stays unbeaten

Despite a late shift in the lineup, Platte County dominated an annual rivalry matchup Monday, Aug. 29 in Liberty, Mo., improving to 3-0 on the season. The Pirates defeated Liberty North 7-2 after a dominant showing in singles.

CHRIS PATTERSON/Citizen photo
Platte County’s Madalyn Ivy, right, hits a serve while doubles partner Hannah Valentine waits at the net against Liberty North on Monday, Aug. 29 in Liberty, Mo.

Crystal Billings made her varsity debut and played in the No. 3 singles and No. 3 doubles spots after senior Stephanie Laures withdrew for Platte County prior to the dual due to illness. The Pirates went 5-1 in singles with wins for Rachel Valentine (No. 1), Hannah Valentine (No. 2), Madalyn Ivy (No. 4), Lauren Laderoute (No. 5) and Mikayla Landers (No. 6).

Ivy scored a dominant 8-1 victory, while Laderoute played her best singles match of the season in an 8-4 win. In doubles, Ivy and Hannah Valentine squeaked out an 8-5 win at No. 1, while Rachel Valentine and Landers played to an even tighter 8-6 victory. 

Platte County was scheduled to continue Suburban Conference Blue Division play against Winnetonka on Tuesday, Aug. 30, but the result was not available at The Citizen’s deadline.

Platte County 9, Grandview 0

The Pirates jumped to a 3-0 lead after doubles and went on to the sweep Tuesday, Aug. 23 in Grandview, Mo.

Grandview won only two games in six singles matches with Haley Valentine, Laures, Ivy and Laderoute all scoring shutouts. Rachel Valentine (No. 1) and Landers (No. 6) both won by scores of 8-1.

St. Teresa’s Academy 5, Park Hill South 4

The Stars took the most recent meeting between playoff contenders.

After losing to Park Hill South in the Class 2 District 15 final last year, St. Teresa’s took a regular season dual Monday, Aug. 29 in Kansas City, Mo. The Stars also won last year’s first matchup before losing 5-2 in the district rematch.

Park Hill South 7, Blue Springs 2

The Panthers lost just eight games total in a run of victories from No. 2 to No. 6 singles Thursday, Aug. 25 at Park Hill South High School in Riverside, Mo.

Despite a loss at the top of the lineup, Abby Norris, Suzanne Brown, Halle Nixon, Claudia Cho and Annie Saunders scored convincing wins to assure victory. Park Hill South also went 2-1 in doubles matches.

Park Hill South 8, Liberty North 1

Saunders, Nixon and Abby Norris all recorded shutouts in singles for the Panthers during their home opener Tuesday, Aug. 23 at Park Hill South High School in Riverside, Mo.

Abby Norris (No. 2), Nixon (No. 4) and Saunders (No. 6) were part of a singles sweep that also included new No. 1 Chloe Norris making her debut. Abby Norris and Nixon were 8-0 winners at No. 2 doubles.