It wasn’t a win but it was an

improvement, and that was enough to satisfy coach Sean Gillam &045; for now, anyway.

Gillam’s Albert Lea boys’ tennis team lost 6-1 to Rochester John Marshall in a home meet Thursday but played much better than earlier in the week.

&uot;We’re getting closer,&uot; said Gillam. &uot;You never like to lose, but it was a definite improvement tonight. We played a lot better. We played with heart.&uot;

John Mattson and Matt Wulff got the Tigers’ victory, rallying for a 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (8-6) decision at No. 1 doubles. Kurtis Bohrnstedt and Stephen Thorn lost 7-5, 6-2 at No. 2 doubles while the No. 3 duo of Greg Peterson and Andrew Dyrdal fell 6-2, 4-6, 6-1.

Freshman Conner Keyeski had the closest singles match, falling 6-4, 6-7 (4-7), 6-4 at the No. 4 position. Adam Luebke also went to three sets at No. 2. Matt Entorf and Paul Marlin lost in straight sets at No. 1 and 3 singles, respectively.

&uot;As always, the crowd was great,&uot; said Gillam. &uot;a lot of people come out and it helps.&uot;

The Tigers host Waseca today at 4 p.m.