STC junior Madyson Boriskey competed in the No. 1 singles position for the Trojans against Mount Vernon on Tuesday, Aug. 12. PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT

The STC girls tennis team had the honor of kicking off the 2025 fall sports season when they hosted Mount Vernon on Tuesday, August 12. Playing in the first official competition of any sport this fall, the Mustangs traveled to the STC tennis complex to take on a new-look Trojan squad.

Though the Trojans battled hard in their first outing, the Mustangs were able to secure a 9-0 sweep in the meet. The teams competed in six varsity singles matches during the morning. Playing in the #1 spot for STC was junior Madyson Boriskey. Boriskey competed at the varsity level for STC last season and also participated in the class 1A state coed tennis meet in June.

Following Boriskey, STC’s lineup in singles included sophomore Ava Boldt (#2), junior Grace Gomez (#3), freshman Catherine Hardon (#4), freshman Amillia Bullshoe (#5), and sophomore Keyleigh Rangel (#6).

The Trojans also competed with three teams in doubles action. Competing in the #1 doubles slot was the team of Boriskey and Boldt. They were followed by Gomez and Hardon (#2) and the team of Bullshoe and Rangel (#3).

Following the opening season loss to the Mustangs, STC head coach Steve Bearden commented on the team’s effort.

Sophomore Ava Boldt returns a serve against Mount Vernon on Tuesday, Aug. 12. Boldt competed at No. 2 singles for STC. PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT

“I am so proud of this team,” Bearden said. “Every player had to step up and play beyond their level of experience. Now that they have survived their first meet, they can gain confidence, develop their skills, and excel.”

Up next for the Trojans is a trip to Independence on August 18 to face the Mustangs. This will be followed by a match in Grundy Center on the following evening, August 19.

Junior Grace Gomez returns a shot against Mount Vernon. Gomez competed in the No. 3 singles position for STC. PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT

STC freshman Catherine Hardon returns a serve against Mount Vernon. Hardon played in the No. 4 singles spot for the Trojans. PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT