Windham’s Kelly Maloney fought through fatigue and a bitter wind to secure victory in her match Monday, but even with those heroics the Eagles tennis team fell to Portland, 3-2.

Bill Shardlow, Windham’s coach, knew that injuries would affect his line-up, but the girls battled, with each of the losing matches coming down to a few points.

“When you are down two players it can have a huge impact,” said Shardlow. “But I was very pleased with the way we played.

Facing off against Leah Chiu, the Bulldogs’ top player, Maloney was able to capture the first set, 7-5. The second then went back and forth, with each player refusing to give in. Chiu was eventually able to grab control and take middle frame by the same score.

Chiu was in the midst of a comeback, but Maloney knew what she had to do to keep her team’s chances alive.

“I didn’t want to hit it to her forehand,” said the senior. “She has a nice forehand.”

Even though the air was chilly, Maloney heated up and forced her opponent into mistakes. She took the match by staying true to her game plan and consistently returning shots while Chiu overshot the court.

Windham’s other victory came from junior Nicole Willey, who defeated Anna Chiu in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1. Willey showed off a strong forehand and was consistent with her backhand. She was able to hit the ball just out of her opponent’s reach, including a beautiful dump shot late in the second set.

The team’s injuries resulted in freshman Jenna Willey, Nicole’s sister, being bumped up to the number-three singles spot. She lost the first set to Abby Blake, but then rallied to take the second. In the third, down 3-1, the younger Willey continued to fight back, closing the gap to 5-4.

Willey was excellent when her feet were set and she reacted well when close to the net, but eventually Blake was able to pull out a win, 6-4.

In first doubles, Windham sent Alyse Bartholomew and Samantha Ennis against Portland’s Fiona Wilson and Audrey Seiz. The Eagles’ duo played a smooth match with great communication.

They were able to change places without difficulty and handled the quick play up front. Portland, however, won the match in straight sets, 7-5, 7-5.

Molly Masterton and Stacey Niedoroda, Windham’s number-two doubles team, took on Val Postulache and Catherine Umba. The Eagles fell, 7-5, 6-3, but the girls showed positive signs.

Masterton was at a slight height disadvantage while playing close to the net, but she showed no signs of intimidation, smashing shot after shot back toward the Portland side. Niedoroda used a strong serve, which was effective when she was able to control it.

Bulldogs coach Amanda St. Peter said that Windham presented her team with some problems.

“They are an athletic team,” said St. Peter. “They have strong lobbies and strong rallies.”

With the loss, the Eagles record fell to 3-1. Shardlow wants the team to “compete” but Maloney has higher hopes.

“We are a solid team,” said Maloney. “We only lost one player, and I think we have a really good shot.”

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