It was tight, but in the end, fuel for the future. The Steamboat Springs High School girls tennis team lost in the championship of its home tournament, falling to Aspen four matches to three.

Steamboat got wins from Mae Thorp at No. 1 singles, 8-4, Annika Fahrner at No. 3 singles, pulling out a very close match, 8-7(5), and Este Wilkinson and Maddie Heydon at No. 3 doubles, 8-4.

Lily Fox at No. 2 singles lost 8-2, Lauren Ehrlich and Morgan Sauerbrey at No. 1 doubles 8-2, Amy Speer and Amanda Walker at No. 2 doubles 8-4 and Marie Koop and Christina Hathaway at No. 4 doubles 8-6.

The team advanced to the finals after dominating victories against Vail Mountain and Justice.

Next up for the Sailors is a chance to use some of that fuel, rematches Friday at home in Steamboat Springs against Vail Mountain and Aspen.

To reach Joel Reichenberger, call 970-871-4253, email jreichenberger@SteamboatToday.com or follow him on Twitter @JReich9.