Inspired by Rafael Nadal's celebration of the Wimbledon championship, Marshall players (from left) Jimmy Rector, Mac Evans, Ethan Murphy and John Van take a bite out of their trophies after securing the top two doubles spots in the Holiday Junior Tournament. (Photo contributed) [Click to enlarge]

Players from a wide swath of mid-Missouri were in Marshall last week for the annual Holiday Junior Tennis Tournament, held on the Indian Foothills Park and Marshall High School courts.

The winners from Thursday's singles action reflected the regional diversity.

On the boys' side, Cole Huston of Marshall won the 10-and-under age group, with Raymond Majors of Columbia best among 12-and-unders.

Jacob Winton of Columbia edged runner up Trent Clause and third-place Joseph Ward of Marshall among 14-and-under boys, while Mikah Beck of Higginsville claimed the 16-and-under title and Columbia's Alex Turner took first in the 18-and-under division.

Marshall's Taylor Crawford was the 10-and-under girls winner, with Sydne (12-and-under) Whiteside of Chillicothe, Molly Higgins (14-U) of Jefferson City and Timi Kostzin (18-U) of Columbia also coming out on top of the field.

Members of the Owls' prep squads won most of the honors Friday in doubles.

The team of Mac Evans and Ethan Murphy got by John Van and Jimmy Rector for the 18-and-under boys' crown. The combo of Virginia Hutcherson and Haley Evans defeated Kim Van and Olivia Butler for the prize in the 18-and-under girls' group.

The mixed 12-and-under winners were Tess Lovig and Kala Roach of Columbia, while Cole Huston and Jay Rector of Marshall won the 10-U division.

The summer is nearing completion for the Marshall Junior Tennis Association, with the Parent/Child Tournament under way -- singles were played on Monday, with doubles set for Wednesday -- and a final round-robin today.