Bulldog Netters Move to 5-0 with 2 Wins to Start the Week
- RoMoAthletics
- Apr 8
- 5 min read
April 7th, 2026
The Bulldog Tennis continues to improve and grow each week as they were able to win two highly competitive matches this week. The road victory at School of the Osage and the home win against district foe, Capital City have created a buzz.
Taking Down School of the Osage, 9-0
Osage is a really quality team. They had beaten Jeff City Helias earlier in the season. They were playing without their number 2, who broke his finger in a spring break accident.
Bulldogs Doubles Getting Dubs
#1 Dubs: Sr Keaton Reaud and So. Kyle Robinson played two really quality players who had good first serves. Coach Josh Vinyard was pleased with how the pair were really clean handling the returns. “They played really consistent tennis and did a good job being the aggressor throughout the match.”
#2 Dubs: Seniors Cameron Brown and Paxton Ledbetter played what Coach Vinyard said was their best doubles match of the season. “Pax did a great job of hitting his first serve. They were aggressive without overplaying, and I thought their shot selection and decision making kept pressure on them throughout the match.”
#3 Dubs: Seniors Connor Johnson and Jack Greenway continue to grow their doubles game as individuals but embracing the strengths of the other. “They compliment each other so well and bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm.”
Sweeping Singles at Osage
After sweeping the Indians in the doubles, Osage was fired up and ready to battle in the singles matches. The Bulldogs were ready for the challenge.
In the battle of #1’s, it was a back and forth contest as Renaud and Osage’s Brady Clark each held serve the first few service games. Renaud used his ground strokes to get a late service break to create some separation at the end of the match, 8-5.
Robinson found himself on his heels to start as his opponent had a strong forehand and backhand and was able to control the play early. Robinson was able to recover and make adjustments. He put more shape on his ground strokes, eliminated a few unforced errors and pulled out an 8-6 victory.
Ledbetter continues to learn how to leverage his 6’7” lengthy frame and athleticism. His game plan is fueled by his big first serve to set the tone and being more active in positioning himself on returns to extend rallies.
Coach Vinyard talked about Paxton showing resiliency after a couple of recent losses. “He overcame dropping back to back games early and his mental strength was exceptional and helped him bounce back and finish strong.”
Bulldogs Defend Their Home, Defeating Cap City 7-2
When a team can take down a Lebanon Tennis team, they make a statement. A high quality and familiar Capital City Cavaliers squad rode into town and the Bulldogs knew that this match was more than a win or loss.
A recent rivalry has formed between these two teams and if there wasn’t already reason to get up for this match there is always the playoffs. Being a district foe, this match would impact district seedings.
It was a big crowd on hand to cheer on the Bulldogs in their season home opener, and the Bulldogs did not disappoint.
Bulldog Doubles Sweep the Cavs
Coach Vinyard was all smiles after the big win over Capital City and prior to the match, he looked at me and said, “we have to get two of three.”
The team decided all three would be better.
“We got off to a really fast start, and our goal was to jump out and go get all 3 doubles matches and set the tone for the rest of the match. We were fortunate to be able to do that.”
#1 Dubs: It was all about focus and intensity for Keaton and Kyle. Coach Vinyard described them as being locked in but were still able to still smile and have fun. “It was a fun match to watch them compete against a very good team today.”
#2 Dubs: Brown and Ledbetter set the tone and got the first win of the day. The match started a little slow, but the duo regained their focus and pulled away winning 8-2. Coach Vinyard likes what he is seeing from this group. “They are stringing together really good points right now. They won quite a few points in Serve +1 or Return of Serve +1, which is how we want to attack.”
Maintaining Focus in the Singles Matches
Coach Vinyard has been talking to his team about the importance of being neutral. You don’t want to play too loose or play too tight. Don’t let emotions get your head down or cause you to get too excited.
The Bulldogs are listening.
It was an absolute dog fight on the singles side with the Bulldogs pulling out wins in 4 of the 6 matches. At one point, all 6 singles matches were within one game either with the Bulldogs up or down.
Coach Vinyard talked about the senior leadership on display. Senior #3 Cameron Brown and #4 Ledbetter both secured singles wins, it allowed their teammates to relax and the pressure was released.
Renaud, in his second season as the Bulldog #1 was again locked in a back and forth duel. Last season he an Cap City’s #1, Braxton Fowler, went to a tie-breaker to determine the winner and this year was no different.
Renaud jumped out and took control early by hitting some slice shots and drop shots to lure Fowler to the net and then power some shots by him for winners. Fowler adjusted his play to a more defensive style and was able to extend points and battled back.
In the tie-breaker, Renaud showed the poise of a senior, playing conservative early in the point and playing inside the junior lines. He was able to wait for his opportunities, and exploit them to take control in the tie-breaker.
Robinson also went to a tie-breaker. The sophomore #2 showed the composure and calm demeanor of a veteran allowing him to handle the pressure and pulling out the win. “He seems to just thrive in these moments,” said Vinyard.
Next Up
Thursday & Friday, April 9th & 10th at Camdenton/Lebanon Team Tournament
April 5th, 2026 Match Results
Varsity Defeats School of the Osage, 9-0
Doubles
Keaton Renaud & Kyle Robinson defeat Brady Clark & RJ Matthews, 8-5
Cameron Brown & Paxton Ledbetter defeat Hudson Strombaugh & Aidan Anderson, 8-1
Connor Johnson & Jack Greenway defeat Maverick Trusty & Kaden Cochran, 8-1
Singles
Keaton Renaud defeats Brady Clark, 8-5
Kyle Robinson defeats Hudson Strombaugh, 8-6
Cameron Brown defeats RJ Matthews, 9-7
Paxton Ledbetter defeats Maverick Trusty, 8-3
Connor Johnson defeats Aidan Anderson, 8-3
Logan Dunn defeats Clayton Groll, 8-5
Junior Varsity / Futures Defeats Osage JV - 6-2
Doubles
Jr. Tristan Ace & Jr. Logan Dunn defeat Clayton Groll & Carson Sakelaris, 4-0
Jr. Brody Luna & Jr. Loyal Davis defeat Blaze Abner & Devon Ginchereau, 4-3
Fr. Cosmo Conger & Jr. Owen Black defeat Nicholas Bridges & Mason Leavens, 4-0
Fr. Henry Davis & Fr. Eli Ratchford defeat Bennet Morgan & Luke Zilz, 4-2
So. Marcus Thimgan & Fr. Richard Kim defeat Greyson Grundy & Regan Sommerkamp, 4-3
Jr. Noah Rhoads & Fr. Nolan Sims defeat William Cassidy & Jesse Myhre, 4-1
Jr. Ashton Stoney & Fr. Alex Chase fall to Carson Sakelaris & Blaze Abner, 0-4
Fr. Noah Veo & Jr. Caro Tomasini fall to William Cassidy & Jesse Myhre, 1-4
April 6, 2026 Match Results
Varsity Defeats Capital City, 7-2
Doubles
Keaton Renaud & Kyle Robinson defeat Braxton Fowler & Ayaan Khan, 8-5
Cameron Brown & Paxton Ledbetter defeat Abhinav Pula & Macklin Reihard, 8-2
Connor Johnson & Jack Greenway defeat Gaurceng Mishra & Xavier Kemna, 8-5
Singles
Keaton Renaud defeats Braxton Fowler,9-8 (7-4)
Kyle Robinson defeats Ayaan Khan, 9-8 (7-2)
Cameron Brown defeats Abhinav Pula, 8-3
Paxton Ledbetter defeats Macklin Reihard, 8-5
Connor Johnson falls to Gaurceng Mishra, 4-8
Logan Dunn defeats Xavier Kemna, 3-8
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