Austin Hemmingson | Daily Press Escanaba’s Erica Moore hits a return shot in a No. 1 doubles match during Tuesday’s home match against Kingsford.

ESCANABA — A sweep of the singles became a huge factor for the Escanaba Eskymos in a 5-3 girls’ tennis victory over the Kingsford Flivvers here Tuesday.

“It was another good day for Esky tennis,” said Esky coach Chris Ogren. “Three different matches went three sets. All our singles players were able to win today and the doubles all fought hard, whether in a win or a defeat.”

Senior Jacey Moreau was part of Esky’s success in singles, taking a 6-2, 6-3 decision from Ava Peters in the No. 1 match on this sunny and warm afternoon.

“It wasn’t as humid as it was yesterday (in Esky’s 5-3 triumph at Gladstone), which made it more comfortable,” she said. “I had a good serve today. I was also hitting the ball well and kept it inbounds. This is the first time I played her. At the beginning I had a little trouble adjusting to what she was doing, then I got comfortable and everything kind of flowed.”

Kingsford seniors Teagan Petschar and Lizzy Cross overcame a 3-0 deficit in the third set to defeat Erica Moore-Madi Mishica 6-0, 4-6, 6-4 in No. 1 doubles.

The Esky duo still led 4-2 in the finale following a double-fault by Cross before the Flivvers rallied to take that set.

Ironically, Petschar-Cross led 3-0 in the second set before the Moore-Mishica duo came back to force a third.

“We knew things were getting into our heads and we had to settle down,” said Cross. “We always find a way to get back in it. We just had to keep chipping away and getting the next point. When it was 3-0 in the third set, we were kind of laughing and said to each other, ‘Let’s turn the tables on them.'”

Petschar had similar thoughts.

“We tend to play well in the first set, then I start focusing on what I’m doing wrong and forget about the positives,” she said. “We just try to keep encouraging each other. Defensively, they really tightened things up in the second set. In the third set, we started playing more our game.”

Seniors McKenna Bullen and Lilia Hughes provided Esky with its lone victory in doubles, blanking Brooke Bittinger-Macy Holmes 6-0, 6-0 at No. 3.

“We struggled with them at Kingsford the first time (Friday), but we played the best we had all season today,” said Bullen. “Our lobs worked real well and were doing well in front, which made it difficult for them to score.”

Kingsford seniors Mryanda Golla-Karlee Hulkkonen edged Delaney McIntyre-Leslie Purcell 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5) in a No. 4 doubles match which spanned two hours, 45 minutes.

“The heat was a big factor,” said Hulkkonen. “It was probably about 90 degrees on the court. I’ve played a variety of positions this year and I like playing both doubles and singles. It was very exciting to finally get the last point in the tiebreak. The teams are very evenly matched, for sure.”

The Flivvers’ duo was able to secure the decision on a return error.

“It’s an amazing feeling to come out on top,” said Golla. “It was worth all the effort. We were just so exhausted through all of it. It was hard to maintain your energy.”

At No. 4 singles, Esky’s Amanda Beem pulled out a three-hour, three-set victory over Maggie Menghini, taking a 9-7 decision in the third-set tiebreaker.

“We’re happy Amanda was able to pull out that one,” said Ogren. “Erica Moore and Madi Mishica started down 0-6, 0-3 before coming back to win the second set and playing a very close third set. It was a great match where it’s unfortunate either team had to lose. It was good to see that Delaney McIntyre and Leslie Purcell also battled back after losing the first set before eventually losing the tiebreak in the third.”

The Eskymos host West Iron County today at 3:45. The Flivvers visit Norway Sept. 1.

“Overall, the girls are doing well,” said Kingsford coach Tracy Rutter. “Our No. 1 and 2 doubles are playing well, but our doubles need some work. For the most part, I think we’re heading in the right direction.”

Singles

No. 1 — Moreau, E, def. Peters, 6-2, 6-3; No. 2 — Derkos, E, def. Dooley, 6-0, 6-0; No. 3 — Penegor, E, def. Mitchell, 6-2, 6-1; No. 4 — Beem, E, def. Menghini, 6-4, 7-6 (9-7).

Doubles

No. 1 — Petschar-Cross, K, def. Moore-Mishica, 6-0, 4-6, 6-4; No. 2 — Penegor-Olkkonen, K, def. Wickham-Hill, 7-5, 6-3; No. 3 — Bullen-Hughes, E, def. Bittinger-Holmes, 6-0, 6-0; No. 4 — Gollo-Hulkkonen, K, def. McIntyre-Purcell, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5).