"Sometimes it's difficult to be extremely happy in a loss," Renberger said, "but that's definitely the case with this one because with our young players and this being the first match, to be able to come within literally a few games is tremendous."
The Firebirds have just two seniors on the team, only one of which has varsity experience, but held their own against the Raiders.
Free State split the six varsity singles matches and won one of three doubles contests. The Firebirds also won six of nine junior varsity doubles matches.
Renberger said playing the defending state champs in the first match of the year helped the Firebirds.
"Being the underdog, I think, worked in our favor," he said. "Our guys had fun. They didn't play with any pressure on them. It's just icing on the cake that we won more matches."
Free State's lone returning senior, Spencer Hilt, won both of his matches. The team captain defeated Ryan Jones, 8-0, in No. 4 singles and teamed with sophomore Ben Cropp to win No. 1 doubles, 8-4, over Ryland Duncan and Richey Clark.
"Spencer really stepped up," Renberger said. "He knew he was going to be one of the leaders. Spencer knows that he's the role model. He's got to carry things a little bit."
Hilt said he wasn't sure how successful the Firebirds could be against SM South, but he was pleased with the team's effort.
"I was just hoping we'd play it close," he said, "but I had some high expectations for myself. I always want to do good. I'm impressed with all the young guys. We ended up 4-5 on varsity so I'm pleased."
Cropp also went 2-0 for Free State, winning his No. 3 singles match against Duncan, 8-4. The Firebirds other varsity win came in No. 2 singles when Rishi Surana defeated Phil Merriweather, 8-6.
Renberger said he thought the team's overall performance was a great start to the season.
"In terms of a team effort," he said, "and they actually doubled up a few of their guys, (so) the way I see it, top to bottom, our team outplayed their team today and that's just incredible.
"It's a very positive step toward a productive season. I know it will give them a lot of confidence that we can play against the top teams."
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