Even though they have played against some quality opponents, the Webster City boys’ tennis team is making some small steps forward. Every now and then, however, the Lynx have run into some pretty good competition.

Hosting Clear Lake for a North Central Conference meet last Thursday at the Lynx Courts in Webster City, the Lynx couldn’t keep up with the Lions before getting swept by a 9-0 final score.

According to Greta Nelson, WCHS boys’ tennis coach, the purple and gold had to move some things around on the varsity roster.

“Clear Lake came in and took care of business,” Nelson said. “We were a little shorthanded without (senior) Lane Olson this week. So, our team had to adjust a bit with new partners and new positions on the line-up.”

“I will continue to compliment these guys on their character and demeanor on and off the court,” Nelson added. “They keep their heads up, keep fighting through every point, and represent our school well.”

Due to the setback, the Lynx fell to 2-5 overall, 1-3 within league play. Clear Lake improved to 6-3 on the court.

Webster City will need to regroup before heading back north for the North Central Conference Tournament, set for 10 a.m. on Wednesday at Clear Lake High School. There, the Lynx will take to the court against the hosting Lions, Hampton-Dumont-CAL, Iowa Falls-Alden, Nevada and St. Edmond.

Senior Alex Cruz and freshman Cael Alexander came the closest to toppling their opponents in singles, before Cruz fell via a pair of 6-2 scores against Cabot Neuberger before Alexander couldn’t rally back with a 6-1, 6-3 loss against Nick Brcka.

In doubles, senior Jayden Wibholm and Cruz came up short in a 6-0 decision in the first set of their doubles match against Ben Loge and Justin Kerr. Even though they held a 4-1 lead in the second set, Wibholm and Cruz couldn’t hold on, falling by way of a 6-4 decision.

“(Cruz) has been able to put some heat on his serves, and (Wibholm) has been a backboard at the baseline,” Nelson said.