POULSBO — Racquet taps are the new high-fives on the North Kitsap High School tennis courts.

After winning tough points in doubles, it has become tradition to smack racquets in acknowledgment of their partner’s ferocious effort and skill. For on-looking fans, seeing many of these given between NK’s girls doubles tandems during Monday’s match against Bremerton was an excellent sign.

North’s doubles teams lead the Vikings into yet another victory after defeating the Knights 3-2 in varsity matches.

NK’s season record now lies 7-0 as they head to face fellow undefeated team Gig Harbor for the Bridge Division Title today.

After awesome rallies and intense put-a-ways at the net, NK’s score cards kept turning for doubles partners Erin Gallagher and Kearney Bangs, who played at the No. 1 position against Bremerton sisters Khara and Laura Crosswait.

Gallagher and Bangs, who won in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0, said they definitely felt good about their playing strategies and that the match was good preparation for those to come.

“We can take a lot from this match,” said Gallagher. “We were able to work on strategies and feel comfortable with them. It’ll definitely help us to keep playing strong and solid tennis, especially against Gig Harbor.”

Gallagher and Bangs were not the only ones determined to keep adding to their team wins and make sure their recorded losses stay at a clean concise “zero.”

Katie Oost and Meagan Grandall also were energetic about today’s Gig Harbor match. After walking away from a 6-0, 6-1 win against Bremerton’s No. 2 doubles team, Maria Lafferty and Casey Marett, Grandall and Oost said they are as ready as ever to help claim this next victory for North.

For girls doubles No. 3, Emili Kishi and Britt Seaberg, the story is no different. Defeating Bremerton’s Alyssa Brandaberry and Emily Hartman 6-1, 6-0, Kishi and Seaberg are positive about their complimentary playing styles and are looking forward to what the rest of the season has in store.

“I am confident,” said Kishi. “Britt is consistent, solid, adjusts well to playing styles and conditions and I trust that she will return all her shots.”

Seaberg, a freshman, has mostly been playing singles No. 1 and 2, however, said she has enjoyed playing with Kishi and hopes to get as far in post season as possible.

North’s Kathleen Teefy played a tough singles match against Bremerton’s Ukrainian exchange student, Lya-Lya Chroma, who won 6-1, 7-5.

During the second set, Teefy said she got a feel for Chroma’s hitting style.

“It made me play up in skill level and try new things,” said Teefy. “I was able to have fun with it.”

Singles No. 2 player Joanna Kaiserman played a grueling three sets against Cassie Metz. Although the scores were 6-3, 4-6, 6-0 in Metz’s favor, it was one of the closest matches of the season, said Junior Varsity Coach Vic Nelson.

“They are very equally matched skill wise and they have an even playing style,” said Nelson.

Coach Trish Olson also was impressed with Kaiserman’s playing.

“This is her first time playing Varsity singles,” said Olson. “She is fantastic to watch and it was really good to give her this chance.”

For today’s match against Gig Harbor, the NK tennis girls are running on pure determination and high hopes for another win to add to their season record.

Olson also holds high hopes for her team.

“Not to put too much pressure on the girls, but this is going to be the single biggest match in their career,” said Olson, laughing. “I just want them to play their hearts out.”