Pitman High fell short against Golden Valley High on the tennis courts Tuesday afternoon, 4-5, but the Pride’s competitive effort was enough to encourage their coach and players as the season moves forward.

“We played a million times better than the first time we played them,” Pitman’s head coach Doug Reimers said.

Tuesday’s matchup between the Pride and Cougars was decided by one match; one set to be more specific. After volleying the tennis ball back and forth and going point for point with their opponents, the number one doubles team of Alexandra Austin and Macey Loomis succumbed to solid serving in the third set.

Pitman’s four match victories were split between singles and doubles play. Britney Leon earned a taste of retribution with a three set victory over the Cougar’s number one singles player who had beaten her earlier in the season while the Pride’s fourth singles player, Barbara Beasley, continued to impress with a straight set victory.

On the doubles side, Caroline Ayala and Kathleen Sunstad earned a straight set victory in the number three slot as the number two team of Ruby Hernandez and Alicia Ramirez kept their unbeaten record intact with a close three-set win.

After finishing the first half of the Central California Conference with no wins, Pitman has continued its improvement with a win over Atwater High and a few close 4-5 losses.

“I’m very proud of my young ladies,” Reimers said. “They have improved immensely. Everyone can see the improvement; they’re getting better and better.”

The Pride’s young group of girls faces a tough test on Thursday when they welcome rival Turlock High to their courts.

“I don’t know how the score will end up but I hope to make it a more competitive match than last time,” Reimers said.