NEGAUNEE — The four regular singles players for the Negaunee High School girls tennis team look close to unbeatable, but Monday’s opponent Marquette found a small glimmer of hope in the doubles flights during their meet in Negaunee.

The Sentinels’ Payton Pleaugh and Lucy Stern pulled off a 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 victory over the Miners’ Kallen Schultz and Madalynn Peters at No. 1 doubles as the Miners still won going away, 7-1.

“Negaunee is always a tough opponent, but that is what we like to see heading into the stretch run,” MSHS head coach Karl Thomsen said in an email about the match. “No. 1 doubles proved to be the match of the day. Lucy and Payton continue to grow as a team as does their understanding of the doubles game.

“Experiencing matches like this should prepare them and give them confidence.”

Nevertheless, Negaunee won every set in the four singles flights, losing a total of just five games in them combined, to improve to 9-0.

“Practice will be important for us in these coming days to get some simple reminders and clean up fundamentals,” NHS head coach Kyle Saari said in an email detailing the results. “It’s a good time to make sure our doubles lineup is moving, consistent and ready to take the next step.”

He singled out his No. 4 singles player, Addi Chapman, while giving credit to No. 1 Aubrey Johnson, No. 2 Lili Saunders and No. 3 Rheana Nelson.

“Addi has learned from the likes of Aubrey, Lili and Rheana, and they all push each other,” Saari said.

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