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NORWAY -- In a non-conference girls tennis matchup, Norway opened its 2021 season by hosting Kingsford. The Flivvers defeated the Lady Knights 7-1 on Thursday afternoon at Marion Park.
Norway, with a roster of seven players, had their lone win come from senior Kali Stanchina at No. 1 singles.
"Kali Stanchina winning her match today was a great way for us to start the season. She has been working hard on her game and her motivation to improve has really paid off," said second-year Norway head coach Cassandra Gustafson.
"Kali (Stanchina) and Ashlyn (Blaskowski) played a great match," said Kingsford head coach Tracy Rutter. "Long volleys and some great points by each of them."
Norway's Mackenzie Gilroy started her second season in a new position at No. 2 singles and kept each game close, Gustafson said. "Emma (Dube) played well for her first match ever, and I expect to see her improve throughout the season as she becomes more comfortable on the court," she added.
Both of Norway's doubles teams are new pairings this year.
"They are still learning how to play together and all four girls showed promise," said Gustafson. "Averie (Popp) and Gabby (Leiker) played an aggressive match while Jayda (Hunter) had a solid serving streak and Marley (Tobey) helped keep their pair in the game with her footwork."
With Friday's Kingsford Invitational postponed due to rain, both teams return to action against one another in a triangular event at the Kingsford High School tennis facility on Tuesday. Menominee is scheduled to be the third team.
Norway will travel to Ishpeming on Wednesday, while the Flivvers will go to Menominee on Thursday for a Great Northern Conference match.
Kingsford 7, Norway 1
Singles:
1. Kali Stanchina, N, def. Ashlyn Blaskowski, K, 7-6, 6-1
2. Jenna Olkkonen, K, def. Mackenzie Gilroy, K, 6-1, 6-0
3. Maegan Dooley, K, def. Emma Dube, 6-0, 6-0
4. Ella Rizzo, K, Norway (Forfeit)
Doubles:
1. Paige Janousek-Delaney Cram, K, def. Averie Popp-Gabby Leiker, N, 6-2, 6-1
2. Macy Holmes-Maggie Menghini, K, def. Marley Tobey-Jayda Hunter, N, 6-1, 6-0
3. Addie Rutter-Linnea Grubb, K, Norway (Forfeit)
4. Trinity Moore-Lily Wilcox, K, Norway (Forfeit)