Short-handed netters edged at O’Connell, 5-4

With a pair of starters out, Bishop Ireton tangled with the Knights of Bishop O’Connell on Thursday, falling 5-4.

Steady Monica Zakaria won 8-1 for the Cardinals while Megan Sullivan stepped into the lineup at #2 for Mary Rose White but suffered an 8-0 setback. Cristina Spinetto moved from number 6 to 3 and won in a tie breaker to make it 9-8.

Natalia Spinetto playing #4 won 8-2 but Megan Fyffe #5 suffered an 8-0 setback in singles as did Kirsten Parker, who stepped in #6 8-4.

In the doubles matches #1 Megan Fyffe (#5) and Haley McKeen ( #10) were teamed for the first time and almost won but lost 8-6, subbing in for Mary Rose and Christy Macey. #2 Monica Zakaria and Natalia Spinetto won their match, 8-4 but #3 Cristina Spinetto and Kirsten Parker were upended 8-4.

The Cardinals (4-4, 4-3) will return to action on Tuesday when they head to Leonardtown to face St Mary Ryken.