The Manhattan High boys tennis team fell two points short and ended up as runner-ups behind Washburn Rural in Saturday’s 6A regionals at Kossover Tennis Complex in Topeka.

The Junior Blues finished two points ahead of the Indians in a well-fought out match.

Seniors Kirkland Lambert and Collin Queal won first in their seed ending up as back-to-back regional champions.

“We played Topeka our first match,” Queal said. “We played pretty well our first couple of matches. It was a pretty laid back day until the finals. It was pretty competitive with Washburn as it always is.”

Lambert and Queal sealed their fate with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Washburn in the championship after defeating Manhattan’s seniors Matt Turnley and Ben Turnley in the semifinals, 3-6, 0-6. Queal and Lambert will head to state with a 23-2 record.

“They should be in a good position to get a good seed at state and compete successfully,” head coach Bob Kelly said. “They are one of the best doubles teams who have played for Manhattan High and should do very well.”

Matt and Ben placed fourth in doubles after a three-set tiebreaker against Washburn, 1-6, 7-5, 6-7. The second match against Derby was the one that determined whether they qualified for state, which they won, 6-4, 6-2.

“They have improved dramatically over the season,” Kelly said. “And, given a favorable draw, should have a good chance to do well and advance at state.”

Junior Bryce Easton won second place in singles after narrowingly defeating Rural’s Max Cassidy going into a three-set tiebreaker and winning, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 in the semifinals. Easton pulled his strength to go against Topeka High’s Matt Gonzales in a tight match with a 6-3, 6-4 win.

“[Easton] showed a lot of courage and fortitude to overcome some physical difficulties caused by the heat and playing long matches Saturday,” Kelly said. “He, too, has a good chance of advancing in the state tournament. He is a tenacious player who is very difficult to beat.”

Senior Carter Nelson was one match away from hitting state in the singles bracket. Nelson won against JC but lost the next two matches in a 6-7 (7-5), 6-4, 6-3 loss.

“Although he won’t be going to state,” Kelly said. “I very much appreciate his play and especially, his leadership contributions over the season. I appreciate the cooperation and participation of all the tennis players during the season. They made what could have been a difficult transition into a relatively seamless, smooth one. I enjoyed coaching and getting to know them; it was a positive experience for me.”

The Indians will be traveling to Shawnee Mission East for the 6A State Meet. The state meet will start on Friday at Harmon Park Tennis Complex in Prairie Village and will finish up on Saturday.

“We’re really looking forward to state,” Easton said. “It’s going to be really sad because pretty much we’re losing all the other players on the team. Our seniors, it’ll be the last year playing with these guys and I’m really going to miss them next year. So yeah, I’m looking forward to our last good year at state.”