Freedom’s girls tennis team made the most of their home opener last week when the Patriots topped Pocono Mountain East, 6-1, on Aug. 23.

“I think the girls played better, we kept the ball in play, which was good, and didn’t make stupid mistakes. Yesterday, we made so many silly mistakes, unforced errors, and we didn’t do that today,” said Freedom coach Mark Sigmon, referring to the Pates’ season-opening loss to Allentown Central Catholic on Aug. 21.

Freedom singles players Liyana Paiker at number two, and Arleen Nagra at number three, won their matches easily; Paiker, 6-0, 6-0, against Sam Christman, and Nagra, 6-1, 6-0, against Grace Farley.

Freedom’s number one singles player Navya Manne had a harder time against Elizabeth Trott and lost, 0-6, 0-6.

In doubles play, Sofiia Nabyt and Khadeeja Hussain won for the Patriots at number two over Makayla Grives and Kelly Smith, 6-2, 6-2.

“They were unexpectedly strong in different things,” Hussain said. “One of the girls had really strong serves, and she’s also very tall, so the volleys were really aggressive, so that’s one thing I had to look out for.”

The Patriot pair led throughout the match.

“Probably the most challenging thing was their random hits back,” said Nabyt of the Cardinal duo. “Once it’s not gonna go over the net, or once it’s gonna be really easy, and then the second time, it’s gonna go full-on in. You don’t know what to expect. Overall, we did a lot better than Monday.”

Freedom’s number three doubles team of Misha Braski and Katie Ryer won by forfeit when a Pocono Mountain East player fell ill. Braski and Ryer were leading, 2-0, in the first set and were ahead, 30-0, in the third game.

At four doubles, Freedom tennis newcomers Daniela Guzzo and Viola Avitabile won 6-1, 6-0, against Emerson Otto and Gia Hannig.

Also on Aug. 23, Liberty defeated East Stroudsburg South, 6-0, and Bethlehem Catholic lost to Nazareth, 6-1.

Becahi’s number two doubles players Madison Araniego and Elizabeth Schock were the Hawks’ lone winners against the Blue Eagles.

On Aug. 25, Becahi lost its second match of the season, this time against Easton, 7-0, and Freedom lost to Stroudsburg, 6-1.

Liberty’s match against Parkland was postponed to Aug. 31.