LAPEL — The Lapel girls tennis team bowed out of the sectional with a 4-1 loss to rival Frankton on the Anderson courts on May 19.

Kerith Renihan at No. 2 singles, was the lone winner for the Bulldogs. She battled Frankton’s Chainey Lowe and won the first set 7-6 after a 7-3 tie breaker.

Lowe had difficulty with the heat and could not finish the match.

“Lowe had a hard night and still played really well, but Kerith played so smart, and I’m very proud of her and happy for her,” coach Meg Fields said.

While the doubles matches were over first, the Bulldog singles players kept the hope alive for several sets before Frankton prevailed.

Fields said her team went in ready to play and was playing smart.

“Even though it was a loss, I was proud to watch them play,” Fields said. “When all of the singles were playing, it was really a crazy time to think they all had a chance to win.”

The Bulldogs ended the season 12-3.

“I think that is something to be proud of,” Fields said.

From the wins and the losses, Fields said they know what they need to work on for next season.

“Seeing how many girls came out and what we can do, we’ll be competitive,” said Fields.

She said she hopes the success of this season will be motivation for the girls to play all year.