By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports Editor

POPLAR BLUFF - The Bearcats opened the 2012 tennis season in March with a 4-5 loss to the Poplar Bluff Mules. On Wednesday (April 18), the Bearcats took a 6-3 victory from the Mules on their home court.

"Revenge is sweet," said head tennis coach Leanne Dooley.

In the Varsity-only match, the 'Cats won the #1 through #4 matches in singles, and the #1/#2 and #3/#4 matches in the doubles division.

Tyler Miller, Dexter's #1, had a fierce battle with Cody Hillis in singles competition. Hillis defeated Miller in their previous meeting, but this time, Miller came back from a 4-6 deficit to win the match 9-7.

"[It was a] great match, they're both good players." Dooley said. "Very fun to watch."

In the #2 match, Sam Ward faced off against Devin Allison. Ward got down early, but worked his way back into an 8-4 win.

"Sam kept cool in a very uncomfortable situation," Dooley noted. "It was impressive."

Kyle Willis picked up an 8-2 win over Wesley Page, while Joseph Greer picked up and 8-4 win over Paramveer Hundal. Freshman Noah Kronk fell 4-8 to James Parison, while Jake Robinson fell 5-8 to Collin Gullett.

Willis and Greer won an 11-9 tiebreak to take their doubles match against Page and Hundal.

"Kyle and Joe played well together," Dooley noted. Their singles were both well-played matches."

Ward and Miller picked up an 8-5 win over Hillis and Allison; Dooley noted the 'good tennis' on both sides of the net in the match.

The 'Cats will be back in action on Saturday (April 21), when they compete in a tournament at Poplar Bluff.