Despite a valiant effort, the Tigers fell to the No. 5-ranked Panthers.

The Rochester Century boys’ tennis team defeated Albert Lea 7-0 Thursday in Rochester.

“Century is ranked fifth in the state, and for good reason,” said Albert Lea coach Tom Dyrdal. “They are solid at every spot in their lineup and are deserving of their ranking. Our guys play hard, but weren’t able to match the pace and power of Century.”

In singles play, Austin Dulitz, Nikk Christianson and Grant Herfindahl each went 0-6 in two sets each; while Schafer Overgaard went 2-6 and 0-6.

In doubles, Michael Savelkoul and Sam Ehrhardt went 0-6 and 0-6, Foster Otten and Taylor Herfindahl went 1-6 and 1-6, and Andrew Huerta-Ortiz and Keith Grzybowksi went 3-6 and 4-6.

“Andrew and Keith had another strong match at No. 3 doubles,” Dyrdal said. “They are playing some excellent tennis.”

Next, Albert Lea hosts Northfield and Rochester John Marshall in a triangular starting at 9 a.m. Saturday at Albert Lea High School.