Marshall hosts USTA Jamboree

Contributed photo

Some 65 young tennis players from as far away as Columbia, Sedalia and Higginsville took part in the U.S. Tennis Association Regional Rally (above), held Tuesday, July 1, on the Indian Foothills Park and Marshall High School courts.

The event, hosted by the Marshall Junior Tennis Association, featured a round-robin tournament and a speed-gun serve competition-- divided into four age groups: high school, 14-and-under, 12-and-under and 10-and-under.

In a battle of Owls juniors, Trey Clemens knocked off Virginia Hutcherson for the High School title.

Other winners were Joe Ward in the 14-and-under class, Mikala Roach in 12-U and a three-way tie between Nick Lueck, Logan Evans and Jani Tobin in 10-U.

At the end of the day, all came together for lunch in the North Point Shelter House -- where they received door prizes, including rackets and tennis bags. The afternoon was filled with carnival games -- including target practice with volleys and serves, Beat the Pro and King of the Court doubles.

The MJTA is scheduled to host the annual Indian Foothills Junior Holiday Tournament on Thursday and Friday of this week, followed by the Parent/Child Tournament next Monday and Wednesday.