CLEAR LAKE — It’s been a little while since the Webster City boys’ tennis team had a high individual finish. At the North Central Conference Tournament, held on Wednesday on the Clear Lake Tennis Courts, the Lynx saw some progress and some success.

Even though the Lynx settled for fourth in the team standings with nine points, Webster City saw its two seniors fare well in the land of the Lions.

Senior Lane Olson and Alex Cruz spearheaded the purple and gold’s efforts, turning in a third place finish in doubles play. Olson and Cruz were within reach of a finals appearance, holding a 6-1 lead on Clear Lake’s Nick Brcka and Leif Lundberg, but fell short in a 9-7 decision.

“We have not placed higher than fifth place individually in the last few years,” said Greta Nelson, WCHS boys’ golf coach. “I was happy that they found some success.”

Olson and Cruz weren’t down for long, rallying back to defeat Iowa Falls-Alden’s Aaron Halverson and Calvin Hutchinson to earn bronze.

Clear Lake won the meet with 29 points, followed by Nevada’s runner-up finish of 16 points. Iowa Falls-Alden turned in a third place showing with 12 points. Hampton-Dumont-CAL finished behind the Lynx in the standings with six points.

Sophomore Hank Christeson and freshman Cael Alexander came away with an eight place finish in doubles. On the singles’ side of the tournament, senior Jayden Wibholm took seventh overall and junior Rogan Nepereny recorded 10th.

“There is no doubt that these boys were playing some of their best tennis of the season, just in time for districts on Monday and substate on Friday,” Nelson said. “I’ve seen so much improvement and growth from this young team, and despite the tough losses yesterday, it was a positive experience.

The Class 1A-District 1 tournament is on deck next week for the Lynx boys, which will take place at 8 a.m. on Monday at McHose Park in Boone. Webster City will take on the likes of the hosting Toreadors, Grinnell, Iowa Falls-Alden, Nevada, Newton, Saydel, South Hardin and South Tama County.