King’s nipped the South Whidbey High School tennis team 3-2 Wednesday, April 17, in Langley to take over the lead of the North Sound Conference.

The Knights improved their league record to 4-0 and overall mark to 5-0. The Falcons (3-1, 3-3) suffered their first league defeat.

Both South Whidbey wins against King’s came in doubles.

Mary Zisette and Alison Papritz captured first doubles 6-0, 6-0; and Ainsley Nelson and Farriss Jokinen won in second doubles 6-2, 6-3.

Ashley Ricketts (6-1, 6-4) and Oliana Stange (6-0, 6-2) dropped singles matches, and Jenna Pfeiffer and Elizabeth Simmons (6-3, 6-4) lost in third doubles.

“Ashley at first singles showed progress and improvement during the match,” coach Karyle Kramer said. “Scarlet was her toughest singles opponent in a couple of years, so it was a good experience for Ashley; she demonstrated her ability to strategize, adjust her game and play under pressure.

“Ashley almost took the second set. (It was an) excellent match for her.”

“Our first and second doubles teams continue to improve and look solid,” Kramer added. “I’m experimenting with second singles and third doubles — there are a lot of players in the mix right now competing for those spots.”

The Falcons host University Prep in a non-league match at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 20, and then get back to conference action when Granite Falls (1-2, 2-5) visits at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23.