ANDERSON — The Lapel Bulldogs earned their way to the girls tennis sectional final but came up short against Alexandria-Monroe on the Anderson courts.

The Bulldogs fell 6-1 in the May 21 match. The finals were moved to Saturday after the weather hindered the matches earlier in the week.

Kerith Renihan, at No. 1 singles, was the lone winner for the Dogs. She defeated Allie Clark 6-1, 6-0.

Renihan was dealing with a slight medical issue but played through to get the win.

“For her to come back and play like that today, I’m super proud,” coach Kandi Martin said. “She has tons of heart.”

While the title champion had already been decided, the No. 2 singles match was still very much ongoing.

Lapel freshman Gracie Frazier wasn’t willing to concede so easily.

Opponent Kara Simison had taken the first set 6-1, but Frazier gave her a run in the second set before eventually falling to Simison 6-3 in the second.

“She doesn’t quit,” Martin said.

Emma Manning lost at No. 3 singles to Gabby Hosier 2-6, 1-6.

The No. 1 doubles team of Chloe Renihan and Grace Lyons lost 0-6, 0-6, and No. 2 doubles team of Georgian Manning and Ally Wolfgang lost 0-6, 2-6.

The win for Alexandria was its third consecutive sectional title.

Lapel advanced to the final game by first defeating Anderson 3-2 and Frankton in the semifinals 4-1.

The Bulldogs will lose seniors Georgia Manning, Chloe Renihan and Wolfgang but return all of their singles players next season.

After her season as the new head coach, Martin said she is pleased with the results.

“They have played with a lot of heart,” she said. “I saw that at the beginning of the season.”

Martin said the Bulldogs knew they would face teams like Alexandria throughout the season.

“That was our focus to not give up,” she said. “Keep fighting, keep working, and you build from that for next year.”