Escanaba’s Sophia Derkos battles for a point against Gladstone’s Tia Schone on Aug. 21, 2023 in Escanaba.

ESCANABA– The 2023 high school girls tennis season is officially in full swing. Escanaba played host to rival Gladstone on Monday. The Eskymos claimed seven of the eight matches.

Sophia Derkos defeated Tia Schone 6-2, 6-0.

“Tia is as athletic as any tennis player in the UP. She’s not easy for anyone to beat,” Esky coach Chris Ogden said. “Sophia stayed calm and in control very well and was able to make it through the match without too much trouble.”

In other’s singles action, Gladstone earned its lone victory of the day when Addie Trombley knocked off Molly VanDamme 7-5, 6-2.

The Eskymos earned wins in the remaining singles matches. Sam Korpie defeated Alexis Burch 6-0, 6-0 and Maggie Martin knocked off Carly Maki 6-0, 6-0.

In doubles action, Esky earned a clean sweep in a quartet of matches. The team of Natalie Williams and Molly Smale defeated Montgomery Pepin and Reese Herious 6-2, 6-3. Esky’s tandem of Sam Manninen and Sonya Make defeated the Braves’ tandem of Sylvia Nault and Tati Martinez 6-0, 6-0. Val Royer and Sophie Wagner earned a 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 win for the Eskymos over Gladstone’s tandem of Charlotte Hanson and Sam Drielick. Esky’s Carly Bowden and Danni Hughes bested the Braves’ team of Miranda Drielick and Ellie Mathias 6-0, 6-0.

The Eskymos return to action at 11 a.m. Tuesday to host Kingsford.