JACKSON – Fresh off their independent schools’ Final-Four a season ago, Northeast Academy was nipped at home by 2A Northeastern Coastal Conference power, Northeastern High School, 5-4, in the opening tennis match for both schools.

A year ago, Northeast knocked off the Lady Eagles, en route to their fabulous finish.

This year, Coach Pat Thornton’s squad – which boasted eight underclassmen a season ago – has more depth and experience.

Carly Stephenson and Jessie Martin captured their doubles match, 8-4, but teammates Tracy Clark and Lauren Flythe were overwhelmed by Anne Claire Foreman and Ashlyn Twiford, 8-2. Hannah Drewette and Emalee Jones also fell in doubles to the #5 and #6 seeds for the Lady Eagles.

Trailing 2-1 headed to the singles matches, Flythe at #2 singles topped Twiford to even the match at two wins each. Stephenson then totally dominated in her match over Olivia Sanders, 8-0, to give NEA a 3-2 advantage with four matches remaining.

However, top-seed Tracy Clark was upset to even the tally a second time, and Northeastern closed out the competition as both Savannah and Cassie Revelle fell for Northeast. Jessie Martin did win over Emma Teach, 8-6, to make it a close finish.

Northeast’s opening loss makes the Lady Eagles 0-1. Their next match is today (Tuesday), also at the Northampton County Wellness Center against The Albemarle School at 4 p.m.