By JONNY ZAWACKI

News Sports Writer

The Alpena girls tennis team suffered a tough defeat on Thursday, falling to Harbor Springs 1-7. The Wildcats knew they had their work cut out for them in this one as they took on a very good Harbor Springs team that tends to be a solid team each year.

“Even though we only won one flight, I thought we played well in all flights. Harbor Springs is a well-coached and well-trained team with good talent,” Alpena coach Charlie Giordano said.

The lone victory the Wildcats were able to get came at No.4 doubles as the team of Taylor Belanger and Priya Pokorzynski won in a third set tie break 10-8.

Angela Salacata and Brynna Smith also played to a third set before being defeated at No. 3 doubles. Alpena’s Kayla Bullock was the only singles competitor to play to a third set, before suffering defeat at No. 3 singles.

“The girls have a game plan when they play and they stuck to their plan and played very smart, flexible tennis. They are at a point in their tennis development that when they are taken out of their game, they have a hard time getting back to their plan. Every player and team was able to change their game in an attempt to upset their opponents game plan,” Giordano said.

Alivia Bowers was defeated at No. 1 singles 2-6 and 0-6. Kaitlyn Schultz lost at No. 2 singles 1-6 and 2-6. Katie Nicholson fell at No. 4 singles 1-6 and 2-6.

Katherine Sharp and Emily Kozlowski lost at No. 1 doubles 1-6 and 3-6. Jordan Sengenberger and Macy Cosbitt suffered a tough loss at No. 2 doubles 4-6 and 2-6.

“All in all I thought it was another good day of personal growth and development,” Giordano said.