A strong performance in singles play helped Oak Harbor edge the visiting South Whidbey High School tennis team 4-3 Wednesday, March 20.

Regardless of the outcome, Falcon coach Karyle Kramer was “pleased overall” with the effort against the 3A Wildcats.

Kramer shuffled her lineup and Ainsley Nelson played her first singles match “in a long time” and Jenna Pheiffer played her first ever, according to Kramer.

Pheiffer nearly came back from being down 5-1 in the first set before falling 6-4.

“Farriss (Jokinen) had a tough opponent at first singles; she really picked up her game after the first set,” Kramer said. “Ashley (Ricketts) played smart at No. 2 and got the ‘W.’”

Kramer noted that the first and third doubles teams had “convincing wins.”

The Falcons (0-2) host Friday Harbor (0-0) at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 26.

South Whidbey results at Oak Harbor

Singles: 1, Farriss Jokinen lost 6-3, 1-6, 6-4; 2, Ashley Ricketts won 6-3, 6-2; 3, Ainsley Nelson lost 7-5, 6-1; 4, Jenna Pheiffer lost 6-4, 6-4.

Doubles: 1, Alison Papritz/Mary Zisette won 6-0, 6-0; 2, McKenna Kelley/Oliana Stange lost 6-1, 2-6, 7-5; 3, Annika LeWarne/Elizabeth Simmons won 6-4, 6-0.

Farriss Jokinen slaps a backhand in first singles. (Photo by John Fisken)

McKenna Kelley returns a shot in second doubles. (Photo by John Fisken)

Ainsley Nelson hustles to run down a sideline shot. (Photo by John Fisken)

Alison Papritz powers a shot in her first doubles shutout with Mary Zisette. (Photo by John Fisken)

Jenna Pheiffer reaches for a shot in Wednesday’s match. (Photo by John Fisken)

Ashley Ricketts taps the ball over the net in her win in second singles. (Photo by John Fisken)

Oliana Stange hits a high hard one. (Photo by John Fisken)

Annika LeWarne, left, and Elizabeth Simmons discus strategy during a break in third doubles. (Photo by John Fisken)