The Rolla High School boys tennis team gave its seniors an exciting sendoff, as the Bulldogs rallied past Lebanon for a 5-4 win at Ber Juan Park Thursday night..
RHS improved to 7-5 with the Senior Night victory.

The Bulldogs recognized three seniors, Raj Mishra, Mark Wronkiewicz, and Jason Newell.

“I’m going to miss it a lot. This season has been one of my favorite seasons,” Mishra said. “I’m going to miss the bus rides, the matches, the competition. All the guys on this team are pretty close. It’s been a lot of fun.”

“It’s a little bit emotional since it’s my senior year, but it’s been a lot of fun,” Newell said.

“I’m going to miss hanging out with everybody, the bus rides, the competitive matches,” Wronkiewicz said.

Thursday’s contest with the Yellowjackets came down to the final match, as Cody Martin and Brendon Dowdy outlasted their opponents for a 9-7 win. The Bulldogs went into doubles tied 3-3, but lost the first doubles match. They tied it back up at 4-4 when Wronkiewicz and Threadgill posted an 8-1 win.

RHS singles winners included Martin (8-3), Dowdy (8-3), and Matt Threadgill (9-8 (7-3 tiebreak)).

In the other matches, Mishra lost 8-3, Wronkiewicz lost 9-7, Newell lost 8-6, and the doubles team of Mishra and Newell lost 8-1.

Junior varsity winners for Rolla included Mason McDaniel, Garrett Grahl, Jon Liou, and Matt Beasley.

The Bulldogs are set to play in the Class 2, District 5 Tournament today at Bethel Park in Columbia, Mo.

Mishra says don’t count Rolla out.

“We haven’t really been clicking this year, but I think if everyone shows up and plays their best, we will be fine.”

Newell mentioned that he expects the doubles team of Dowdy and Martin to continue to do well. Personally, he is looking to reverse his fortunes in the postseason. He is going to be playing singles. 

“The season hasn’t gone exactly my way. I’ve lost some really close matches,” Newell said. “I’m hoping I can turn it around in districts and win a couple of rounds.”

Rolla is an extremely tough district. Other teams in the district include Camdenton, Helias, Hickman, Jefferson City, Lebanon, Rock Bridge, Smith-Cotton, and Waynesville. Only the top four advance. 

The Bulldogs are shaking things up a bit, and hoping it pays dividends. Wronkiewicz will pair with Threadgill for the other doubles team while Mishra will move to singles.

“We’re going to change up the lineup. It’s probably for the best,” Wronkiewicz said. “We are looking to go out on a good note.”