IOWA FALLS — To succeed in the sports realm, individuals and teams have to buy into what their coaching staff is selling. Whether it is the culture or an identity, to capture enthusiasm alongside the will to win often pays in spades.

Over the past few weeks, the Webster City girls’ tennis team has done just that. In their latest outing on the court, the hard work resulted in a favorable outcome.

Taking on a veteran Iowa Falls-Alden squad on Tuesday at Assembly Park, the Lynx dug deep and rattled off a thrilling 5-4 victory.

Senior Trinity Griffith has emerged as a strong leader, winning both her singles and doubles matches. Griffith soundly defeated Aubrey Johnson with a 10-3 decision, before she and teammate Joslin Gourley scored a thrilling 11-10, 7-4 win over Johnson and Lauren Wood.

Junior Addie Tesdahl also reeled in victories in singles and doubles competitions. Tesdahl handled Alivia Hansen in a 10-4 match, before she and freshman Allie Severe took a 10-5 win over Hansen and Lieke Kienhuis.

“I’m so proud of these girls, and the way they played,” said Mark Fisher, WCHS girls’ tennis coach. “They didn’t back down, they played smart and tough, and earned that team win. We have a group that — outside of (Gourley and Griffith) — lacks a lot of varsity experience and, in some cases, any tennis experience.”

“However, they have continued to buy into what we are trying to do every day,” Fisher added.

With the win, the Lynx improved to 2-2 in overall competitions. Iowa Falls-Alden dipped down to 2-2.

The purple and gold are back in action this evening, hosting Clear Lake in a proverbial make-up meet, set for 4:30 p.m. at the Lynx Courts in Webster City. The matchup between the Lynx and Lions (1-3) was originally scheduled for April 4, before shifting back to today due to inclement weather.

On the singles’ side of the meet, junior Kinzey Koestner also secured a victory, outlasting Kadynce Winters with a 10-8 result. Gourley (10-4), Severe (10-3) and sophomore Cyra Christensen (10-2) each fell in their respective matches.

In doubles play, Koestner and senior Izzy Feldhaus ran into trouble against Josie Johnson and Hailey Bridgewater, before sustaining a 10-4 setback.

Tied at 4-4 a piece going into the final match within the doubles side of the meet, Severe and Tesdahl reeled in a 10-5 victory to win the meet for the Lynx.

“I loved the confidence that (Tesdahl and Severe) played with,” Fisher said. There are still a lot of details to work out for them, but I saw some real progress and I continue to like how they play together.”