It took three days, but the Fort Stockton tennis team was finally able to compete in their district finale with Monahans and ultimately fell to the Loboes, 13-6. The match was originally scheduled for Oct. 4 in Fort Stockton, but lightning and rain postponed the action until Oct. 5. Again, thunderstorms put a damper on the action. The match was finally completed on Oct. 7 in Monahans.

The match finalized the seedings for the bidistrict round of the postseason.

“Unfortunately, Monahans was able to get the best of us with an early 2-5 jump after doubles play,” coach Victor Garcia said. “However, we didn’t let that discourage us from playing hard with the top three boys going out and taking care of business being the first ones off to tie the match at 5-5.”

Monahans swept the girls side, and with the loss, Fort Stockton takes the No. 3 seed in the district tournament and played El Paso Riverside on Oct. 11 in Carlsbad, N.M.

Tennis falls season concludes in bi-district playoffs

The Fort Stockton tennis team’s season came to an end in Carlsbad, New Mexico on Tuesday as El Paso Riverside advanced with a 10-8 win over the Panthers. Head coach Victor Garcia said the Panthers came out battling and had initially taken a 4-3 lead after winning four of the seven doubles. “Things were starting to look promising as singles would always be the part of the match the Panthers would excel at, however, Riverside were themselves a singles play type of team,” Garcia said. “As evenly matched as possible, the Panthers were able to keep matches tight again forcing third set tie breakers but were unsuccessful in having them go our way during singles.” Garcia that the loss has the Panthers wanting more. “There is plenty of improvement to be done, and time to focus on the spring season where the Panthers look to advance some players into the regional tournament once again,” Garcia added.