Finding good competition has been a challenge for the Falcon girls tennis team since South Whidbey schools joined the 2A division in 2000. So, when an opponent like Sedro-Woolley comes along, South Whidbey gets a brake from the blowout play it has gotten used to against lesser 2A teams.

A 5-2 team loss to the Cubs Friday was, in a way, a silver lining to a season in which the Falcons have found few to challenge them. By contrast, South Whidbey won a home meet against Lakewood Monday on a 7-0 score, sweeping all singles and doubles matches.

But at Sedro, the Falcons had to work for every game, set and match they won. The only wins the Falcons earned were in doubles competition. Losing at first doubles was Jenny Newman and Chelsea Miller, who sweated it out for well over an hour before succumbing 5-7, 5-7 to Cubs Michelle Klien and Kristen Twedt. But at No. 2 doubles, Amy Vogt — who paired with Jenny Newman to place at the state tournament last year — worked with Newman’s sophomore sister, Caitie, to take a 6-2, 6-4 victory. Also winning on the day was the team of Molly Fox and Natalie Alexander, beating Ally Bazinet and Brigett Simms 6-4, 6-4.

At singles, Janelle Iversen came about as close to victory as any of the Falcon singles players, going to 5-7, 5-7 with Cub Elizabeth Bird. Senior Megan Roosen-Runge played the longest match of the day for South Whidbey, losing to Markell Moffett of Sedro-Woolley in a marathon 4-6, 6-4, 4-6 match.

The Falcons did get another good challenge last week in a Wednesday meet against Burlington. South Whidbey took the meet 4-3, sweeping the doubles matches. Roosen-Runge was the only singles winner for South Whidbey, going to the wire in a straight-sets, 6-1, 7-6 (8-6) grinder.

Falcon coach Tom Kramer said he was pleased to find good competition for his team, especially against Sedro-Woolley.

On Monday, the Falcons’ fortunes were far easier, if not better. The only player who had to entertain a serious challenge was senior Sonya Morphew, who played to a 1-6, 6-4, 6-4 win.