If the young Park City High School girls’ tennis team wanted to establish some early-season momentum, it certainly accomplished that this weekend in Ogden.

The Miners took second place in a talent-crowded Ogden Invitational tournament, losing to 4A Mountain Crest in the championship round.

“I definitely see so much improvement from all of the girls since the season began,” said Park City head coach Lori McMahon via e-mail. “It’s a work in progress keeping the girls confident and to follow their game plan.”

The team started off its tournament campaign Friday, defeating Bear River 12-0. Park City went on to beat 4A Weber in the next matchup 10-2.

Advancing into Saturday, the Miners defeated Sky View 10-2 to reach the championship round.

McMahon said a recurring theme throughout this preseason has been playing in blistering conditions. She said it was more than 100 degrees on the courts at one point.

“The girls did great in the heat. (That’s something) we’re not used too,” she said.

Sophomore No. 1 singles player Solveig Karlsen cruised through her first three rounds of play before falling to Mary Kate Johnson of Mountain Crest in straight sets.

“She was just off, which happens,” McMahon said of Karlsen’s final, “but (she) played well.”

Senior No. 2 singles player Julie Patterson didn’t lose a match throughout the tournament.

“Fights for every point,” McMahon said of Patterson, one of her team captains.

Kara Johnson, Park City’s No. 3 singles player, finished 2-2 in the tournament and McMahon said she was proud of her ability to make each match a tough one.

“Our singles players did well, but we’re still working on consistency and strategy,” she said.

The Miners’ No. 1 doubles duo of Dani Lecher and McKenna Tychsen won three matches before falling to Mountain Crest in the tournament finale. McMahon said she is enjoying the aggressiveness of the tandem and said they’re coming together as a team.

Park City’s No. 2 doubles team of Natalie Frost and Lauren Weed went 2-2 in the Ogden Invitational, losing to Mountain Crest in the finals.

“They are becoming more consistent and positive together,” McMahon said. “I just need to see them at the net more often.”

The tournament also featured No. 3 doubles with Katie Hardman and Caroline Davis representing Park City. The duo had never been paired together prior to the invitational. McMahon said it was a great experience for them.

“Doubles is won at the net and Mountain Crest had the stronger, more aggressive players,” she said. “That’s what we are working on.”

The Miners return to Ogden today to face the Ogden Tigers before opening up Region 10 play Tuesday, Sept. 6, against Judge Memorial.

“They know what we need to work on to improve and get ready for the tougher matches ahead,” McMahon said.