The Patterson High girls tennis team came up short in a 7-2 defeat by the visiting Central Catholic High Raiders on Sept. 18.

Patterson coach Raustand Nzoule attributed the Tigers’ loss to the strength of the Raiders’ roster.

“The team played good tennis, but we were not able to overcome the depth of Central Catholic,” Nzoule said

Patterson got its only two match victories in singles competition, where Elena Rodriguez won a 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 decision over Central Catholic’s Gani Sani at No. 4 singles. Nzuzi Mahungu also defeated Central Catholic’s Reno Moni at No. 5 singles, 7-5, 6-2.

In other singles matches, Central Catholic’s No. 1 player, Kelley Payton, defeated Kelby Norfleet in straight sets (6-0, 6-0). The Raiders’ No. 2 seed, Emma Withrow, bested Patterson’s Kendal Norfleet in two sets, too (6-1, 6-1).

Central Catholic’s Amie Ardis defeated Chanda Noynola at No. 3 singles (6-0, 6-0), and Bridgit Crowley topped Jennifer Camberos at No. 6 singles (6-3, 6-4).

Central Catholic’s No. 1 doubles team paired up for a 7-5, 6-4 victory over Patterson’s Sandy Luo and Victoria Paden. The Raiders’ No. 2 pairing of Sam Manseau and Nicole Nicholson defeated Patterson’s Britnei Murray and Avree Chairez in two sets (6-2, 6-4).

Central Catholic also got a doubles win in the No. 3 spot, as Laura Cahill and Angelica Slater won in two sets (6-4, 6-3) against Patterson’s Arianna Rico and Santana Mata.

The Tigers’ loss dropped the team to 2-3 in Western Athletic Conference play.