In the first “quality” match of the season, the South Whidbey tennis team traveled to Lynden last week, where everyone got to play and complete a match against a seasoned team.

“It was raining when we arrived, but then the sun came out, they swept the courts and we got down to business,” said Falcon player Lindsey Newman. The team won 4-3.

In singles play, Newman won 6-0, 6-0; Natalie Wheeler won 6-1, 3-6 and 6-1; Maya Hough lost 3-6, 3-6 and Ana Weeks lost 3-6, 7-5 and 6-7.

In doubles action, South Whidbey’s Victoria Comfort and Nicole Zalewski won 6-1, 6-0; Jen Gemkow and Katie Holt won 6-1, 6-0; Shannon Craig and Julia Iversen lost 6-7, 1-6.

“Natalie made a nice comeback after losing the second set,” said Falcon coach Tom Kramer. “Ana lost but played a good match, and she was much more consistent in her play.”

Kramer noted that Shannon and Iversen played an inspired first set against a very good team, losing 7-5 in a tie breaker.

“After a slugging start to the season, Victoria and Nicole are finally playing quality doubles again, and it was apparent on Wednesday. Jen and Katie are still getting used to working together as the newest doubles team. They are starting to both play the more aggressive style needed to be successful,” Kramer said.

He added that Newman continues to dominate early on, but will have some tough matches coming later in the season.

At 3:45 p.m. on Monday, April 13, the girls team travels to Bellingham.