ALLEMAN — The Webster City boys’ tennis team’s latest outing was a tough hill to climb. However, iron sharpens iron, and it’s a learning experience for the Lynx — as they continue to gain experience.

Facing off against North Polk in a non-conference matchup, held last Thursday at the North Polk Courts, the Lynx had to settle for a 7-2 setback. Even though they were swept in singles’ play, the purple and gold did score two victories in doubles, as seniors Lane Olson and Alex Cruz picked up an 8-2 win over Jack VandeKrol and Noah Lindell.

“Going into it, we knew we’d be facing some of the top players in Class 1A tennis, with Ethan Moon and Easton Moon,” said Greta Nelson, WCHS boys’ tennis coach. “They swept us in singles, but it was encouraging to have a couple wins at doubles. (Olson and Cruz) won handily at number-one doubles. They were consistently starting the points with their serves and returns, especially where the wind was a challenge at times for all players.”

Freshman Cael Alexander and sophomore Hank Christeson also came away with a thrilling 9-8 (10-8) victory over Jalen Buls and Colin Muhlena.

“(Alexander), who is new to the sport, has really settled in,” Nelson said. “His groundstrokes are looking great, and he has some power to his serves. (Christeson) did a great job of pinching the net and going for some aggressive shots. I’m glad they came out victorious.”

The Lynx couldn’t get the sweep in doubles, however, as seniors Max Whitmore and Jayden Wibholm fell in an 8-3 match against Calbe Forde and Levi Forde.

In singles, Olson fell to Ethan Moon in a pair of 6-0 results, while Whitmore struggled against Easton Moon in a pair of 6-0 decisions. Cruz had better fortunes against Landon Murch, but fell via scores of 6-2 and 6-1.

Wibholm came up empty against Derrick Rhoads by way of 6-1 and 6-3 sets, and Alexander couldn’t get much going in a pair of 6-1 setbacks against Vance Rupp. Junior Rogan Nepereny was unable to generate any momentum against Elijah Dickenson, falling in two sets with scores of 6-0 and 6-1.

The Lynx fell to 0-3 overall, while the Comets improved to 3-1.

Webster City faced South Hardin in a nonconference meet held on Monday in Eldora. Results from the road meet will be posted in an upcoming edition of the Daily Freeman-Journal.