“We played very well today as a team,” said Kingsford coach Mark Novara. “The kids have improved throughout the year and it showed today. It was great to see Michael Occhietti and Blake Wonfor get a well-deserved win, along with Charlie Christesen and Noah Johnson. Niko Przeslakowski also got his first win of the season.”

The Mountaineers’ lone wins on the day were at No. 1 and No. 2 singles, David Juul and Brenden LaPoint, respectively.

“We’ve had some lineup changes this year due to circumstances outside of our control, but it was nice to see the lineup we will have at U.P.’s in action today,” said Mountaineers coach Marcus Celello. “It was a disappointing result, but I think it was an opportunity for a lot of growth for our team.”

Both teams return to action today as Kingsford travels to Marquette Senior High School for the Great Northern Conference meet, while the Mountaineers travel to the Ishpeming Playgrounds for the Mid Peninsula Conference meet.

Iron Mountain No. 2 singles player Brenden LaPoint, shown in action earlier this season, got one of the Mountaineers’ two wins Wednesday at Kingsford. (Theresa Proudfit photos)

“Despite some tough losses, the guys came out of this meet with a positive attitude and some things to work on as we now head into the postseason,” said Cellello. “As a multi-sport athlete, David Juul hasn’t been able to compete in every match for us. However, he continues to lead by example — both through his play and his attitude — and he gives our younger guys somebody to look up to and emulate.”

Novara pointed to Ben Trevillian and Isaac Nash forming a solid No. 2 doubles team for the Flivvers.

“The team as a whole is very young, with our one singles Gabe LaFreniere really having a tough year in the wins and loss column, but he has improved tremendously throughout the year. He along with Jacob Saari are going to be good ones,” Novara said.

Kingsford 6, Iron Mountain 2

Singles:

No. 1 – David Juul, IM, def. Gabe LaFreniere, K, 6-2 , 6-1

No. 2 – Brenden LaPoint, IM, def. Jacob Saari, K, 6-0 , 6-1

No. 3 – Niko Przeslakowski, K, def. Kaden Sheldon, IM, 6-4 , 6-2

No. 4 – Ben Cook, K, (Forfeit)

Doubles:

No. 1 – Christina Glodowski, Caleb Boone, K, def. Ryan LaPoint-Reece Kangas, IM, 6-0, 6-0

No. 2 – Ben Trevillian, Isaac Nash, K, def. Lucas Kassie, Andrew Larsen, IM, 6-1, 6-0

No. 3 – Charlie Christesen-Noah Johnson, K, def. Michael VanPembrook, Carter Kassin, IM, 6-4, 6-2

No. 4 – Michael Occhietti, Blake Wonfor, K, def. Blake Julian-Fulton Stroud, IM, 6-2, 6-3