Mountaineers shut out Knights 8-0; Norway ends girls tennis hiatus
(Matt McCarthy/Daily News photos) Above, Norway’s No. 1 singles player Kali Stanchina returns the ball in a match versus Iron Mountain’s Claire Mongrain. Below, Norway’s No. 3 singles player Mackenzie Gilroy prepares to serve against Callie Bianco on Thursday at the East Side Tennis Courts in Iron Mountain.
(Matt McCarthy/Daily News photos) Above, Norway’s No. 1 singles player Kali Stanchina returns the ball in a match versus Iron Mountain’s Claire Mongrain. Below, Norway’s No. 3 singles player Mackenzie Gilroy prepares to serve against Callie Bianco on Thursday at the East Side Tennis Courts in Iron Mountain.
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By Matt "Sweets" McCarthy
Sports Writer
IRON MOUNTAIN -- For the first time in a long time, two arch rivals faced one another on the hard courts. The Lady Mountaineers hosted the Lady Knights in girls tennis Thursday afternoon at the East Side Tennis Courts and at City Park in Iron Mountain. Iron Mountain defeated the short-handed Knights 8-0 in non -conference action.
"I'd like to give credit to Norway for the work they have put in leading up to their first match in their revived tennis program," said Iron Mountain coach Marcus Celello. "This was our first match during the school year, so the girls are on a completely different schedule than they have been on up to this point."
Celello noted that IM came out a bit flat to start out, which can partially be attributed to this change of routine. He also noted that the Mountaineers' doubles teams are developing some good chemistry.
"I would have liked to see us play a bit faster and more aggressively, though I did see some moments towards the end of the day. We play best when we are able to dictate the tempo of the match, and the girls are starting to improve in this area," Celello said.
As for Norway, they were able to fill three of the four singles flights, and two of the four doubles flights. Norway hasn't had girls tennis in at least a half dozen years, and off and on, based on interest, for a dozen or so years before that.
The Knights are coached by first year tennis coach Cassandra Gustafson, who is a physical education teacher in the district. She coached high school soccer and track downstate, prior to coming to Norway.
"It's exciting for me to get to be the coach of a newly formed team," said Gustafson. "This is a learning experience for me and the girls, we'll be picking up experience together throughout the season."
"Thus far in practice and today, the girls are enjoying themselves. They are receptive to learn, and are taking instructions well," Gustafson said. "Today was a positive experience even without the win."
Norway athletic director Joe Tinti has worked to get the girls a first year schedule. With the pandemic, it's been a challenge he notes, so some matches will possibly be added. A team roster and preview will be published in the coming days. Norway hosts Kingsford on Tuesday at Marion Park's new tennis courts.
Iron Mountain hosts West Iron on Monday, before hosting Marquette
(Justin St. Ours | Escanaba Daily Press)
Forest Park's Ashlynn Kannich tips the ball past Carney-Nadeau's Liana Blahnik (9) Thursday at Carney-Nadeau. Looking on for the Trojans are Aubrianna Ahola (center) and Elaina Perry (right).
(Matt McCarthy/Daily News photos)
Above, Norway's No. 1 singles player Kali Stanchina returns the ball in a match versus Iron Mountain's Claire Mongrain. Below, Norway's No. 3 singles player Mackenzie Gilroy prepares to serve against Callie Bianco on Thursday at the East Side Tennis Courts in Iron Mountain.
Iron Mountain 8,
Norway 0
Singles:
No. 1 Claire Mongrain, IM, def. Kali Stanchina, N, 6-2, 6-1
No. 2 Arianna Morel, IM, def. Donna VanHolla, N, 6-1, 6-1
No. 3 Callie Bianco, IM, def. Mackenzie Gilroy, N, 6-0, 6-0
No. 4 Norway forfeit
Doubles:
No. 1 Bella Brown-Aziza Burgoon, IM, def. Kassi Gyselinck-Gabby Leiker, N, 6-1, 6-0
No. 2 Danika Juul-Natalia Brown, IM, def. Averie Popp-Andi Carlson, N, 6-1, 6-0
No. 3 Norway forfeit
No. 4 Norway forfeit