By John George
The Perham girls are getting closer. Closer to finding a line-up where all the girls are in the best position to succeed. Closer to beating some of the area's better teams.
With another new line-up on Monday against Mid-State Conference power Park Rapids, Perham came as close as they have in years to beating the Panthers, but fell just short, 4-3.
"We are getting very close to where we have the girls set," co-head coach Kathy Pesch said.
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The singles players appear to be set. Perham picked up wins in three of the four singles matches with Ali Pesch, Abbi Paulseth and Karlie Miller all winning in straight sets.
The difference maker in the match was at No. 1 singles where Cassie Jensen played one of her best matches of the season, but lost in a third-set tie-breaker, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6.
"Cassie played outstanding in a tough loss," co-head coach Kurt Pesch said.
Although the doubles teams are getting close, some minor tweaking might still lay ahead as all three teams lost Monday.
Park Rapids Tournament
Perham's singles played a big part in the team's scoring at the Park Rapids Individual Tournament on Saturday. The Jackets finished fourth in the five-team tournament. Class AA Brainerd dominated the tournament with 27 points. Roseau was a distant second with 16, followed by Parkers Prairie (11), Perham (9) and Swanville (6).
No. 2 singles player Pesch and No. 3 Paulseth each finished second in their brackets. Leah Miller finished third at No. 4 singles.
Another close loss
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Perham had another close loss last week, falling to Parkers Prairie, 4-3. Pesch and Amy Pawlowski earned singles wins along with the No. 3 doubles team of Mary Tufton and Mariah Muer.
Perham will have a dual match at Osakis today (Sept. 14) before heading back to Park Rapids for the Mid-State Conference Tournament. The Mid-State will be played on Saturday starting at 10 a.m.
The Jackets will then hit the road for duals at Wadena-Deer Creek and New York Mills next week.
