ESCANABA — The Negaunee Miners boys tennis team started the season strong defeating Escanaba and Menominee by 7-1 scores in action at Escanaba on Monday.

“We were really eager to get started today,” said NHS coach Kyle Saari. “Our indoor facility helped counter some of the lost time we’ve had outside for challenge matches, and we played pretty well across the board to open the year.”

Saari was pleased with his team’s performance.

“The energy level was good, and we hope there’s some growing hunger as the year moves along,” Saari said. “Jace (Turri) and James (Thomson) led our doubles teams today. They played together last year and they moved real smoothly together today.

One player in particular caught the coach’s attention.

“Out of our entire 12, nobody’s game has made as big of jump than Mick Kumpula’s. He’s grown a few more inches and played nonstop over the winter. He did a great job today continuing how he has in practice.”

Overall, Saari was happy.

“As always there’s plenty to work on, but it was an encouraging start,” he said.