GWINN — Munising won the battle of two rebuilding high school tennis programs Tuesday afternoon in Gwinn, winning a straight-up 8-0 sweep over the Modeltowners.

Mustangs head coach Rod Gendron was happy conditions allowed his team to finally get in their second match of the season.

“The weather all year is making us miss meets and practices,” Gendron said. “We’re still getting to know the team a bit and we’re trying to figure out where everyone belongs.

“Overall I’m impressed with our team’s ability to go well throughout the lineup. Gwinn is an up-and-coming team, so it was nice to have competitive matches and show these good signs.”

Munising No. 2 doubles player Nick Miles serves in a high school boys tennis meet against Gwinn on Tuesday afternoon in Gwinn. (Journal photo by Rachel Oakley)

Jared Immel got things started for the Mustangs in No. 1 singles, defeating Jacob Porubsky 6-4, 6-2.

Immel agreed with his coach that the Upper Peninsula weather adds another factor to the game.

“It was difficult at times playing with the wind,” Immel said. “It was definitely a challenging aspect. I was able to overcome it and adapt to come out on top, so it was a good day.”

Landon Peters defeated Mason Bockert in No. 2 singles, 6-3, 6-4, while Mason Schieding topped Nate Belongia, 6-0, 6-1.

The Modeltowners have been victimized by the injury bug to a pair of players in singles, forcing a forfeit in the No. 4 singles that was awarded to Munising’s Mitchell Coyne. The Mustangs also won the No. 4 doubles the same way.

Gwinn head coach Dan Turecky said his team, built around 10 sophomores, is gaining experience that will eventually turn it into a successful program.

“We’re still a young team, and it’s been challenging with injuries,” Turecky said. “We’re continuing to build the team up, and we have a strength at singles when we are healthy. They can compete with any of the powerhouses when we have everyone.

“Our biggest focus right now is improving doubles, and when we get that done we will be a solid team. Overall I’m pleased with the progress we are making.”

Cade Contreras and Eli Werner teamed up for a Mustangs victory in No. 1 doubles, blanking Eddie Chapman and Isaac Redlon 6-0, 6-0.

Nick Miles and Russ Holloway kept the streak alive in No. 2 doubles, winning 6-3, 6-2 over Chase Jensen and Caleb Anderson, while Ryan Pond and Jason Biddinger earned 6-4, 6-3 wins over Rhyan Herman and Jaden Martinez.

Gendron said the Mustangs need to improve as they compete more.

“The biggest point for us is making sure that after each match, we take the opportunity to think about what we need to improve on,” Gendron said. “We want to have our game going the best we can at the end of the season.

“We’re focusing on the little things like hitting angles instead of straight on, and finding the best openings.”

And as Gwinn also continues to build for the future, Martinez said the key for the Modeltowners is to keep a teamwork mentality.

“Everyone is feeling good as a team,” the No. 3 doubles player said. “We’re focused on both improving on the court while watching out for injuries, and also making sure we get good grades in.

“We need to keep up with each other and maintain good teamwork.”

Ray Bressette can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 251. His email address is rbressette@miningjournal.net.

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