Webster City’s Evan Estlund races back towards the baseline and hits a lob during Tuesday’s dual against St. Edmond at the WCHS courts. DFJ photo/Tracy Runneberg

WEBSTER CITY — It was a loss, yes, but it came with one significant perk: Confidence, and lots of it.

The Webster City boys’ tennis team opened its season with a 6-3 loss to Fort Dodge St. Edmond Tuesday afternoon at the WCHS courts, but head coach Michael Ross says his team’s performance was anything but disappointing.

“I was extremely impressed with how the team did,” Ross said. “I didn’t know what to expect with a young, new team and little time to practice outside. But it’s a great group of guys to come out and play tennis with each day.”

St. Edmond gained the upper-hand in both singles and doubles, but the Lynx more than held their own.

George Vila and Cody Van Kooten picked up singles wins for the Lynx, and Van Kooten teamed up with Heath Patterson to earn a doubles win.

Rookies on the varsity scene, Vila and Van Kooten battled in their bouts. Vila fended off the Gaels’ Cooper Flemming, 10-8, in the No. 3 slot, and Van Kooten pushed past Lucas Kordner, 10-6, at No. 6.

Van Kooten and Patterson withstood a challenge from Flemming and Max Bacon to prevail, 10-7.

“Van Kooten and Patterson played well together,” Ross said. “Their placement had a lot to do with their success.”

St. Edmond 6, Webster City 3

Tuesday at WCHS Courts

Singles

Gage Johnson (SE) def. Jonathan Dixson 10-3. Mitchell Rasmussen (SE) def. Evan Estlund 10-1. Max Bacon (SE) def. Heath Patterson 10-4. George Vila (WC) def. Cooper Flemming 10-8. Jonah Hindt (SE) def. Chase Black 10-7. Cody Van Kooten (WC) def. Lucas Kordner 10-6.

Doubles

Johnson/Rasmussen (SE) def. Dixson/Estlund 10-1. Patterson/Van Kooten (WC) def. Bacon/Flemming 10-7. Hindt/Kordner (SE) def. Vila/Black 10-2.