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Negaunee, Westwood boys tennis teams both prevail by 6-2 scores

MARQUETTE — Marquette gave Negaunee just about its toughest match of the spring, but the Miners boys tennis team remained undefeated at 10-0 with a 6-2 victory on Wednesday.

A shorthanded Gwinn team threw a challenge at Westwood, winning a pair of matches in three sets, before the Patriots prevailed with the same 6-2 score.

Negaunee travels south to the Kingsford Invitational on Saturday morning, while the Miners, Marquette and Westwood play Monday. Gwinn won’t get back on the courts until Tuesday.

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Negaunee 6, Marquette 2

At Marquette, the Miners had several close calls, though only one of its wins actually went to three sets.

That was Luke Syrjala prevailing at No. 2 singles over Marquette’s Connor Johnson, 3-6, 6-0, 6-2.

In addition, NHS No. 1 singles player Will Luke held off Nick Olivier 6-2, 6-2.

“There were some solid matches throughout (the day) and we responded well to some close situations,” Negaunee head coach Kyle Saari said. “Luke fought off a sluggish first set, changed his game, and played like someone who has experience, though he’s still learning himself.”

One of wins for Marquette (3-1) came in three sets when No. 3 singles player Beau Belkowski held off Corbin Marshall, 6-7 (4-7), 6-2, 10-8 with a third-set pro-style tiebreaker.

In doubles, Negaunee had a pair of tight two-setters — the No. 2 tandem of James Thomson and Gavin Saunders pulled out a 6-2, 7-5 win over Toby Camilli and Ray Modell, while the No. 3 duo of Gavin Jacobson and Jace Turri came up with a 6-4, 7-6 (7-2) victory over Matt Barsch and Brian Belkowski.

“Our (Nos. 2 and 3) doubles both fought back in their second sets to close their matches, too,” Saari said. “Those type of situations help make things less daunting when the same scenario comes up in the future.”

Marquette’s other win came at No. 4 singles, where Jason Andary fended off Mick Kumpula 6-3, 6-2.

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Westwood 6, Gwinn 2

At Westwood, the Modeltowners had to default at both No. 4 flights, meaning they only lost 4-2 in contested matches — and were 2-0 in three-setters.

Those victories came at No. 1 singles when Daniel Pasinetti held off the Patriots’ Bryce Markham 7-5, 3-6, 6-4, and at No. 2 doubles, when Jacob Harnick and Caleb Steiler eased past WHS’ Tony Misale and Bob Papp 7-6 (9-7), 4-6, 6-4.

“Bryce had a long, hard-fought match,” WHS coach Sarah Massie said. “He continues to rise to the challenges of the No. 1 singles spot and is improving with every match.”

Massie was also pleased with the play of her No. 1 doubles pairing, Garrett Mann and Ryan LaFountain, who won 6-2, 6-0 over Aaron Borrett and Dawson Dolby.

“Garrett and Ryan also played very well,” the Westwood coach said. “They have found their groove and are playing well together.

“I am happy with how the guys have played this week considering the fast pace of the spring season allowing for little practice time.”

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.

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