Jacqueline Sasso follows through on a serve Thursday. Sasso won at No. 2 singles to help Warsaw defeat Columbia City 3-2 in the season opener.

WARSAW – Experience does matter.

Just ask Warsaw girls tennis coach Rick Orban.

Orban watched his veteran group of singles players lead the way to a season-opening win over Columbia City Thursday.

The senior trio of Sarah Boyle, Jacqueline Sasso and Rachel Alexander each dominated their singles matches to lead the hosts to a 3-2 win over the Eagles.

Boyle led the way with a 6-1, 6-2 win at No. 1 singles for the Tigers.

Sasso posted a 6-1, 6-1 win at No. 2 singles for Warsaw.

Boyle played No. 1 and Sasso No. 2 last season for the Tigers.

Alexander won 6-1, 6-1 at No. 3 to complete the singles sweep for Warsaw.

The Tigers, who won just once during the regular season in 2013, defeated the Eagles in the sectional last year en route to the championship. The pair could meet again in the sectional this year.

Columbia City, which opened its season Wednesday with a 3-2 loss to Manchester, claimed both doubles matches.

Sydney Ford and Macie Hinen teamed to top senior Abbi Baum and junior Camille Kerlin 6-4, 6-1 at No. 1.

The No. 2 doubles match turned into a long one. Cassie Bosselman and Bayley Smith of the Eagles outlasted senior Anna Hall and freshman Athena Schlitt 6-2, 5-7, 6-4.

Warsaw won the junior varsity action by an 8-2 final.

Winners for the JV Tigers were Sydney Hartman,  Shelby Roberts and Rosie Fleming in singles play. Also victorious were the doubles teams of Mallory Bartel and Mattie Doran, Greer Smith and Jenn Katris, Danielle Straights and Sydney Peugh, Abby Smith and Bonnie Wong and Sherry Wong and Brooklyn Rummer.

Warsaw hosts its own Tiger Invitational Saturday starting at 9 a.m. The strong tournament will include a trio of ranked teams in Munster, Penn and Fishers. Also in the field are Elkhart Memorial, South Bend Adams and Merrillville.

The Tigers open conference play next Tuesday by hosting Plymouth.

Senior Sarah Boyle claimed a win at No. 1 singles for the Tigers Thursday.