By By DAN WEISS / Niles Daily Star
The Brandywine tennis team found out the value of experience Wednesday afternoon, dropping a 5-3 Lakeland Conference dual match at Edwardsburg.
The Bobcats, now 2-1 overall and 1-1 in league play, have eight new players in their starting lineup while Edwardsburg is loaded with veterans.
Edwardsburg swept the singles matches but won just one doubles match.
Kate Habicht started the singles dominance with a 7-6 (7-2), 6-1 win over Jenny Zellman at No. 1 singles.
At No. 2 singles, Edwardsburg's Jacky O'Connor beat Amanda Hancock 6-3, 6-3. Bethany Hartley beat Brandywine's Jenny Cowen 7-6 (10-8), 6-3 at No. 3 singles and Laurina Schrader beat Amy Konopinski 6-1, 6-1 at No. 4 singles.
The Brandywine No. 1 doubles team of Christine Dvorak and Bethany Daniel beat Melina Williams and Amanda McCracken 3-6, 7-5, 6-1.
Brandywine's No. 2 doubles team of Lisa Konopinski and Kristin Peters registered the most dominant victory of the night for the Bobcats, beating Alexa Smith and Alia Zander 6-4, 6-1.
Edwardsburg captured the No. 3 singles match as Hollis Claire and Corinne Fleming beat Amber Valentine and Ashley Valentine 6-2, 6-4.
Finally, the Bobcats won the No. 4 doubles match as Nikki Cooper and Courtney Shlutt beat Amanda Rangel and Jessica Simpson 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (7-2).
Brandywine returns to action Saturday at the Bronson Tournament which starts at 9 a.m.