Topeka ? Lawrence High freshman Thomas Irick took first place in singles with a 6-0 record, leading the Lions’ tennis team to a first-place finish at the 10-team Topeka West Invitational on Tuesday at Kossover Tennis Facility in Topeka.

LHS’s 65 points topped both K.C. Christian (64) and Salina Central (63). Last year in the same invitational, LHS placed seventh out of 12 teams.

“It’s nice to be able to go against that kind of competition and play well for that long,” LHS coach Chris Marshall said.

Irick’s perfect day was highlighted by a victory over Hayden’s Blake Hunter. Though Irick lost to Hunter, 8-4, earlier this year, he defeated Hunter 8-0 on Tuesday.

Irick, who improved to 17-2 this season, lost just one game in his six matches.

“Thomas played the best tennis he’s played this season,” Marshall said.

In doubles, LHS senior Connor Schmidt and junior Matt Grom combined to go 5-1 to finish fifth.

The Lions will host Free State — among other schools — at the Lawrence High Invitational today.