(Austin Hemmingson | Daily Press photos) Kingsford’s Lizzy Cross serves in a No. 1 doubles match, while partner Teagan Petschar hits a return shot during Tuesday’s match at Escanaba. The duo is undefeated thus far on the season.

By John Vrancic

For the Daily News

ESCANABA — A sweep of the singles became a huge factor for the Escanaba Eskymos in a 5-3 girls’ tennis victory over the Kingsford Flivvers here Tuesday.

“It was another good day for Esky tennis,” said Esky coach Chris Ogren. “Three different matches went three sets. All our singles players were able to win today and the doubles all fought hard, whether in a win or a defeat.”

Kingsford seniors Teagan Petschar and Lizzy Cross overcame a 3-0 deficit in the third set to defeat Erica Moore-Madi Mishica 6-0, 4-6, 6-4 in No. 1 doubles.

The Esky duo still led 4-2 in the finale following a double-fault by Cross before the Flivvers rallied to take that set.

Ironically, Petschar-Cross led 3-0 in the second set before the Moore-Mishica duo came back to force a third.

“We knew things were getting into our heads and we had to settle down,” said Cross. “We always find a way to get back in it. We just had to keep chipping away and getting the next point. When it was 3-0 in the third set, we were kind of laughing and said to each other, ‘Let’s turn the tables on them.'”

Petschar had similar thoughts.

“We tend to play well in the first set, then I start focusing on what I’m doing wrong and forget about the positives,” she said. “We just try to keep encouraging each other. Defensively, they really tightened things up in the second set. In the third set, we started playing more our game.”

Kingsford seniors Mryanda Golla-Karlee Hulkkonen edged Delaney McIntyre-Leslie Purcell 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5) in a No. 4 doubles match which spanned two hours, 45 minutes.

“The heat was a big factor,” said Hulkkonen. “It was probably about 90 degrees on the court. I’ve played a variety of positions this year and I like playing both doubles and singles. It was very exciting to finally get the last point in the tiebreak. The teams are very evenly matched, for sure.”

The Flivvers’ duo was able to secure the decision on a return error.

“It’s an amazing feeling to come out on top,” said Golla. “It was worth all the effort. We were just so exhausted through all of it. It was hard to maintain your energy.”

The Eskymos host West Iron County today at 3:45 Eastern time

“Overall, the girls are doing well,” said Kingsford coach Tracy Rutter. “Our No. 1 and 2 doubles are playing well, but our doubles need some work. For the most part, I think we’re heading in the right direction.”

Kingsford 3 at Escanaba 5

Singles

No. 1 — Moreau, E, def. Peters, 6-2, 6-3; No. 2 — Derkos, E, def. Dooley, 6-0, 6-0; No. 3 — Penegor, E, def. Mitchell, 6-2, 6-1; No. 4 — Beem, E, def. Menghini, 6-4, 7-6 (9-7).

Doubles

No. 1 — Petschar-Cross, K, def. Moore-Mishica, 6-0, 4-6, 6-4; No. 2 — Penegor-Olkkonen, K, def. Wickham-Hill, 7-5, 6-3; No. 3 — Bullen-Hughes, E, def. Bittinger-Holmes, 6-0, 6-0; No. 4 — Gollo-Hulkkonen, K, def. McIntyre-Purcell, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5).