Explorers wheel and deal to get strong team
The Explorers did a little wheeling and dealing and in the World TeamTennis player draft Tuesday and as a result, came up with what they think is one of the strongest teams they’ve fielded.
The Explorers traded up from their original No. 7 pick to No. 5 in the first round and selected Rennae Stubbs, a former No. 1-ranked women’s doubles player. As part of a “doubles protected” package deal, they also got Stubbs’ doubles partner, Kveta Peschke, who with Stubbs currently is ranked fifth in the world in doubles.
Peschke counted for the second-round pick, so in the third round, the Explorers selected James Auckland, reportedly the first British player ever drafted in WTT. In the fourth round, the Explorers protected Dusan Vemic, the dynamic native of Croatia, who played for the team last season.
Brent Haygarth will coach the Explorers for the second straight season.
“I’m pretty happy,” general manager Jeff Launius said. “This is what we wanted to do coming in. It’s a team we’re really excited about.”
For tickets to this year’s Explorers season, which takes place July 4-23, call the Explorers at 816-513-5630.
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