JOHNS CREEK — Lambert’s 3rd-ranked girls ended their inaugural tennis season Tuesday, falling 3-1 to No. 7 Riverwood in the Class AAA state quarterfinals.

“We have nothing to be ashamed of. We went out there and we played our hardest and sometimes the ball just falls on the other people’s courts, but we came a lot further than anyone ever expected,” Lambert coach Ali Conley said.

The matches unfolded on the indoor courts at The Standard Club, with Lambert acting as host team.

With four matches being played at once, the Lady Longhorns found themselves in a quick hole on the day, dropping the opening set in three of the four.

But Lambert fought back.

While the No. 2 doubles team of Lauren Ewers and Kate Trinkle was defeated in straight sets, No. 2 singles Kealee Heffner put away her opponent in straight sets (6-3, 6-2) to even the team points 1-1.

Meanwhile, No. 1 singles Karlee Bryde leveled her match by winning the second set, while Morgan Adams and Mackenzie Bodin at No. 1 doubles pulled out a tight second set tiebreak to draw even.

But the third sets were unkind to the Lady ‘Horns, as Riverwood put the overall match away with wins in both decisive sets.

Sydney Topper was down a set at No. 3 singles for Lambert when the match ended.

“We were fighters, but that’s one thing that comes with having a young team. Sometimes the experience is just on the other side. Riverwood has a great, awesome program and they played great today,” Conley said.

The competition won’t get any easier for Lambert next year, as the Longhorns move up to Class AAAA.

With no graduating seniors, though, the Lady ‘Horns should be back and loaded for bear next spring.

“No graduating class, so hopefully Lambert will be in it for many years to come,” Conley said.