RAPID CITY – Aberdeen Central dropped a close dual to Rapid City Stevens, fell to St. Thomas More and blanked Spearfish during tennis action at the West River Invitational on Friday.

The Golden Eagles, who led Stevens 2-1 after doubles on Thursday, couldn’t quite finish off the win as the Raiders won four of the six singles matches for a 5-4 dual victory.

“We won a lot of close matches. … Of the five really tight matches, we won four of them,” said Central coach Trent Kurtz, “so that’s good to see.”

The Golden Eagles received singles wins from Dawson Pederson at first flight and Aric Tennant at second flight.

“Obviously, really good wins at one and two,” Kurtz said. “Those guys had a really good day, both of them.”

Central then fell 7-2 to a solid St. Thomas More squad.

“They are very good. They’re really consistent from the baseline; gave us a lot of problems,” Kurtz said. “I don’t think we played great in doubles. We started with doubles against them and got off to a slow start.”

The Golden Eagles again received wins from Pederson and Tennant at the top of the singles lineup.

“Dawson played really well. … He’s really improved,” Kurtz said. “He’s one that’s really become a better athlete. … He’s got great touch and great feel. He’s able to hit shots that you just can’t teach.”

Central then blanked Spearfish 9-0. Kurtz said the wind was a factor on the day.

“Really was kind of a tough adjustment trying to figure out what to do with the wind,” he said.

The Golden Eagles wrap up play in the three-day event by taking on Rapid City Christian this morning.

It’s been a productive first four duals to start the season, said Kurtz.

“We’re off to a good start. … We’re further along than what I thought we would be,” he said. “That’s a good sign.”

Rapid City Stevens 5, Aberdeen Central 4

Singles

Dawson Pederson, AC, def. Braden Nelson, 10-7.

Aric Tennant, AC, def. Lee Decker, 10-6.

Shane Callahan, RCS, def. Gannon Pederson, 10-6.

Jace Parkin, RCS, def. Wyatt Kiesz, 10-3.

Vance Divan, RCS, def. Alex Tarver, 10-5.

Tom Raforth, RCS, def. Grayson Rehder, 10-8.

Doubles

D. Pederson-G. Pederson, AC, def Nelson- Divan, 10-6.

Tennant- Kiesz, AC, def. Parkin-Decker 10-9 (11-9).

Raforth-Callahan, RCS, def. Tarver- Rehder, 10-3.

St. Thomas More 7, Aberdeen Central 2

Singles

Dawson Pederson, AC, def. Andrew Levine, 10-1.

Aric Tennant, AC, def. Anthony Herrera, 10-8.

Elliot Huxford, STM, def. Gannon Pederson, 10-6.

Oliver Huxford, STM, def. Wyatt Kiesz, 10-3.

Leyton Horning, STM, def. Alex Tarver, 10-4.

Braeden Strain, STM, def. Grayson Rehder, 10-7.

Doubles

Levine-Herrera, STM, def. D. Pederson-G. Pederson, 10-9 (7-4).

E. Huxford-O. Huxford, STM, def. Tennant-Kiesz, 10-3.

Horning-Strain, STM, def. Tarver-Rehder, 10-1.

Aberdeen Central 9, Spearfish 0

Singles

Dawson Pederson, AC, def. Enoch Bailey, 10-1.

Aric Tennant, AC, def. Brooks Meyer, 10-2.

Gannon Pederson, AC, def. Levi Poling, 10-4.

Wyatt Kiesz, AC, def. Elijah Overby, 10-1.

Alex Tarver, AC, def. Tugger Sandgren, 10-5.

Grayson Rehder, AC, def. Zaden Hughes, 10-4.

Doubles

D. Pederson-G. Pederson, AC, def. Baily-Meyer, 10-3.

Tennant-Kiesz, AC, def. Poling-Overby, 10-4.

Tarver-Rehder, AC, def. Sandgren-Hughes, 10-8.