KINGSFORD — The Gladstone Braves tennis team took a 5-3 loss Thursday afternoon against the Kingsford Flivvers in Kingsford.

In singles, Rane Castor defeated Gabe LaFrenire at No. 1 (1-6, 7-6, 7-5), while Peter Noblet downed Niko Przoslakowski at No. 2 (6-2, 6-2) to earn the two Gladstone wins.

“I am very proud how Rane did not give up,” said Braves coach Ryan Barron. “All it took was one great shot, and he fed off that confidence and won five straight games to close it out.

“Peter Noblet had a solid showing today as well. Once he gets his confidence up he is going to be a tough matchup for opponents.”

Castor felt he played well despite a few mistakes.

“I got down on myself too much when I started doing bad,” Castor said. “I was also a step short on a lot of shots, affecting my follow-through. Otherwise, I played pretty good. My serves were really on today.”

In doubles, the Braves took the win at No. 3 with Issac Bethaume and Zach Brazeau beating Charlie Christensen and Cole Harris of Kingsford (6-0, 7-5).

At No. 1, Carter Hedman and Sean Sailer lost against Caleb Boone and Christine Glodowski (6-1, 6-4).

“We played a tough opponent today,” said Sailer. “We didn’t perform well in the first set, improved in the second, but still came up short.”

According to Chad Britton, No. 2 doubles had their toughest match yet. He and Dragan Graham lost against Issac Nash and Ben Trevillian 6-0 in both sets.

“We tried to keep it close with them,” Britton said. “We brought them into multiple deuces but couldn’t close the matches. More experience is always good, though. I’m sure we will become more consistent as the season progresses.”

The Braves head to West Iron County today.

Singles

No.1 — Castor, G, def. LaFrenire, K, 1-6, 7-6, 7-5; No. 2 — Noblet, G, def. Przoslakowski, G, 6-2, 6-2; No. 3 — Saari, K, def. Jensen, G, 6-1, 6-2; No. 4 — Default, K, Forfeit, G.

Doubles

No. 1 — Boone-Glodowski, K, def. Hedman-Sailer, G, 6-1, 6-4; No. 2 — Nash-Trevillian, K, def. Graham-Britton, G, 6-0, 6-0; No.3 — Bethaume-Brazeau, G, def. Christensen-Harris, K, 6-0, 7-5; No. 4 — Default, K, Forfeit, G.

MARQUETTE — Wednesday, the Braves took on the Redmen in Marquette in a 6-2 loss.

“Having a small team this year always makes it tough to be competitive as a team,” said Barron. “Not having a No. 4 singles or No. 4 doubles, we are always fighting an uphill battle right off the bat.”

The two Gladstone victories came at No. 1 and No. 3 doubles. At No. 1, Sailer and Hedman beat Beau Bellkowski and Jason Andery 7-5 and 7-6 while Berthaume and Bazeau won 6-1 and 6-4 against Matt and Nate Barsch.

“I was pleased with how my No. 1 double team fought today. They are starting to communicate and back each other up, which is needed to be successful,” said Barron. “My No. 3 doubles continues to improve each and every match. I am excited to see what the rest of the year brings.”

Sailer and Hedman were both happy with how they performed.

“Carter and I played a very complete game,” said Sailer. “We stayed composed throughout the match, especially through the tie breaker, and came out on top in the end.”

Hedman mentioned how much he enjoyed what he called a, ‘phenomenal match.’

“We had a really fun time and are very happy to come out with the win,” Hedman commented. “That being said, now it’s on to the next.”

Singles

No. 1 — Olivier, M, def. def. Castor, G, 6-0, 6-0; No. 2 — Johnson, M, def. Noblet, G, 6-0, 6-3; No. 3 — Brian Bellkowski, M, def. Jensen, G, 6-2, 6-0. No. 4 — Default, M, Forfeit, G.

Doubles

No. 1 — Sailer-Hedman, G, def. Beau Bellkowski-Andrey, M, 7-5, 7-6; No. 2 — Modell-Camili, M, def. Britton-Graham, G, 6-1, 6-3; No 4. — Berthaume-Brazeau, G, def. Matt Barsch-Nate Barsch, M, 6-1, 6-4; No. 4 — Default, K, Forfeit, G.