WINDSOR – Bertie High School tennis is moving in the right direction.

Last week, the Lady Falcons suffered a narrow 5-4 loss to Northeastern High School from Pasquotank County. Tuesday, Bertie edged Pasquotank County High School by the same margin.

“I was pleased that we were able to turn that score around,” veteran BHS skipper Jackie Copeland said. “Thursday was a tough match and we were able to bounce back Tuesday.”

Copeland was particularly pleased because the match came down to the number three doubles team of Andrea Dunlow and Terri Lynn Smith and that duo was able to lead the team to victory.

“Andrea and Terri Lynn won 10-8 and that was the difference in our match,” Copeland said. “To have our younger players continue to step up has been important. Our experienced players have been doing their part and the younger players have been as well.”

The top-rated Bertie player to secure victory was third-seeded Jody Mizelle who handled Chelsea Guest 6-0 and 6-1.

Fifth seeded Chelsea Dunlow also tasted victory, rolling past Kayleigh Zinter 6-0 and 6-4. The final singles win for the Lady Falcons came from Smith, who defeated Sydney Chesson 6-3, 6-4.

Bertie top-seed Kaitlyn Dunlow suffered a 6-1, 6-4 setback to Hanna Gilroy while second seeded Courtney Dunlow retired in her match against Samantha Craig.

“Courtney became sick during her singles match and gutted it out as long as she could,” Copeland said. “I appreciate her effort, but there came a point when she just couldn’t go anymore.”

Northeastern’s third win came when Victoria Jeffries defeated Sandy Todd 6-2, 6-0 in the battle of number four seeds.

Courtney Dunlow battled back after a brief rest and played her doubles match with Mizelle and the two were able to beat Gilroy and Jeffries 10-6.

“Courtney started feeling better and was able to go out and give us a good doubles match,” Copeland said. “She and Jody teamed together to give us a win we really needed.”

The number two doubles team of Kaitlyn Dunlow and Chelsea Dunlow dropped a 10-1 decision to Guest and Craig setting up the final matchup which Bertie was able to win.

“The girls really gave good effort today,” Copeland said. “I am proud of the way we were able to take the victory, even winning the last one while rain was sprinkling down.

“It’s early in the season and I there is a lot of tennis left to play, but I couldn’t be prouder of the way the team has responded so far,” she said.