BEDFORD, N.H. — The visiting Hanover High boys tennis team came out on the short end against Bedford on Friday afternoon in a rematch of last season’s NHIAA Division I state championship match, this time with the Bears falling by a 7-2 final.

Zach Pearson picked up a win at No. 3 singles for Hanover, 8-3. Pearson and Nick Pais later earned a doubles win, 8-1.

“Zach really stepped it up for his matches and played great. He and Nick made a solid doubles team, and it was their first time playing together,” first-year Hanover coach Kelly Finn said. “It was tough today, but hard-fought. We have lots of ideas for how to prepare for next time playing them.”

The defending champion Bears, 6-3 winners over Bedford a season ago to claim the title, lost four of their top six players to graduation. The host Bulldogs lost just one and look primed to earn their way back into title contention this season.

Hanover (1-1) visits Salem on Monday.

Girls Tennis Bedford 8, Hanover 1

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — The Bears (1-1) dropped their home opener at Maxfield Sports Complex.

Sophia Costa picked up the win for Hanover at No. 3 singles. The Bears’ season kicks into gear next week with three matches, beginning with a home contest with Salem on Monday.

Girls Lacrosse Hartford 11, St. Johnsbury 7

ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. — The Hurricanes (3-0) held off a Hilltoppers rally to remain unbeaten.

Hartford led 10-3 at one point before the hosts scored four-straight goals to make it 10-7. The Canes answered with a goal and held defensively from there to earn the win. Next up is a visit to Vergennes on Monday.

Baseball Fall Mountain 12, Stevens 4

CLAREMONT — The Cardinals dropped their home opener against the Wildcats, falling to 1-1. Stevens is at Monadnock on Monday.

Softball Fall Mountain 15, Stevens 12

CLAREMONT — The Cardinals fell to 0-2 with the loss to the Wildcats. Next up for Stevens is a trip to Monadnock on Monday.

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