The Pitman girls tennis team came up short against a visiting Merced  Bears team, 2-7, on Tuesday bringing the Pride's league record to 4-5.

Doubles team of Alex Smith and Amy Kahlon were the only Pitman players to win their match in straight sets, 6-3 and 7-5, making a comeback from being down 0-5 in the second set.

Pitman’s only singles winner, Barbara Beasley, took her match in a tiebreaker against Merced’s Maria Hammett, 6-3, 6-6, and 7-2.

Pitman’s top-ranked singles player Sahemi Castorena engaged in a tough match against Merced’s Jaymee Illescas, ultimately losing after the third set, 4-6, 6-3, 0-6.

“We’ve been working on energy and footwork, and making smart decisions on the court,” said Pitman head coach Doug Reimers. “We’ve really asked the kids to just go out there, hit a couple shots, and then go for the winner, go for that kill shot.”

Pitman singles players Macey Loomis and Yen Luu both played good matchups against the Bears, but ultimately lost in straight sets of 0-6, 2-6, and 4-6, 4-6, respectively.

Coach Reimers admitted that his team played Merced better the last time they matched up.

“I’m going to give credit to Merced, they came out really strong this time,” Reimers said. “Their girls stayed super consistent, [Merced] hit really strong shots.

“I was happy with what the girls did today,” Reimers added. “I saw some very good shot selection, I saw some good drop shots, and I saw good cross-court winners.”

The Pride will travel across town to face off against Turlock High on Thursday.