HURON – Aberdeen Roncalli got its tennis season underway with a pair of setbacks at Huron on Tuesday.

The Cavaliers fell to Huron 8-1 and were blanked by Mitchell 9-0, but played well, according to coach Jason Haskell.

“I’m pleasantly surprised with the effort and quality of tennis my girls played today,” Haskell said.

Roncalli’s lone victory came at number two doubles against Huron where Katherine Kretchman and River Haskell teamed up for a tight 10-9 victory by grabbing a 7-5 decision in the tie-breaker.

“The number two doubles were my standout performers,” Haskell said.

Kretchman nearly won her flight two singles match against Huron as well, falling 10-9, 7-4 in the tie-breaker. The Cavaliers also lost a pair of 10-6 doubles matches against Mitchell.

“The scores don’t represent how well the girls did,” Haskell said. “I’m glad to get the first contest done and against some tough competition. Huron has really come on in the last couple of years and Mitchell always has a quality club. I’m looking forward to watching the girls develop over the year.”

The Cavaliers continue their busy week of tennis by playing in the West River Invitational on Friday and Saturday in Pierre. Roncalli faces defending State A champion Rapid City Stevens and St. Thomas More on Friday, before taking on Rapid City Christian on Saturday.

“More good competition,” Haskell said, “and it will help us really set some team goals and set the course for our season.”

Huron 8, Aberdeen Roncalli 1

Singles

Huron won flight one by forfeit.

Lizzy Heinen, H, def. Katherine Kretchman, 10-4.

Bianca Medina, H, def. River Haskell, 10-1.

Beth Engelhart, H, def. Raley Haskell, 10-9 (7-4)

Say Ma, H, def. Anna Mitzel, 10-1.

Ann Hoek, H, def. Keira Rivett, 10-2.

Doubles

Huron won flight one by forfeit.

Kretchman-River Haskell, AR, def. Medina-Engelhart, 10-9 (7-5).

Ma-Hoek, H, def. Raley Haskell-Mitzel, 10-1.

Mitchell 9, Aberdeen Roncalli 0

Singles

Amber Moller, M, won by forfeit.

Delaney Degen, M, def Katherine Kretchman, 10-2.

Carsyn Weich, M, def. River Haskell, 10-4.

Elly Clement, M, def. Raley Haskell 10-1.

Ireland Blindauer, M, def. Anna Mitzel, 10-0.

Maddie Childs, M. def. Keira Rivett, 6-1, retired.

Doubles

Mitchell won flight won by forfeit.

Weich-Blindauer, M, def. Kretchman-River Haskell, 10-6.

Clement-Childs, M, def. Raley Haskell-Mitzel, 10-6.