The girls tennis team suffered its first loss of the season, falling 5-2 to the undefeated Wootton Patriots, lowering its record to 7-1.

The Vikes had strong performances all around and got wins from doubles partners Maggie McGowan and Emilia Malachowski and singles player Nicole Welch.

“Every one was prepared to play a challenging school and everyone did well, they just had a few better players in the end,” singles player Olivia Tompkins said.

Wootton is ranked as the top school in the county and has knocked off other top teams such as Churchill who will be the Vikes’ next test.

“I think the best way to come back [from the loss] is to stay mentally strong and work even harder so we can beat Churchill and win the rest of our matches,” Tompkins said.

The girls will get the chance to beat the Bulldogs next Tues. Oct. 8 at home. They will look to avenge their loss Fri. Oct. 4 ,away against the 8-2 Richard Montgomery Rockets.