Freedom’s girls tennis coach Mark Sigmon knew that the Patriots home opener against Nazareth would be a significant match with respect to the Pates’ season outlook.

But disappointment struck the Patriots with a 2-4 loss to the Blue Eagles on Aug. 24.

Freedom’s Aurora Clark won at No. 1 singles over Lydia Moyer, 7-6 (1), 6-3.

Patriot doubles players Katie Nenna and Alexa Holder also won at No. 2, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4, over Anna Shellaway and Erika Schmidt.

At No. 2 singles, Freedom’s Katie Ryer put up a fight against Erika Grzenda before losing, 6-4, 2-6, 3-10.

Freedom’s Esha Kotada lost at No. 3 singles to Kavya Patel, 1-6, 1-6.

The Patriots dropped No. 3 and No. 4 doubles matches with Cassidy Hudson and Stella Bauer falling to Grace Perez and Gracie Strong, 3-6, 5-7, and JoJo Davies and Payton Besecker losing to Meera Mody and Marissa Vandervolt, 5-7, 3-6.

Freedom will have the chance to bounce back with matches against Pocono Mountain West and Bethlehem Catholic this week.