KINGSFORD — The Iron Mountain girls tennis team swept the singles matches and added a victory at No. 1 doubles to defeat Kingsford 5-3 on Thursday at Kingsford High School.

Both coaches anticipated the match beforehand.

“It’s been a slow start to our season in terms of the number of matches played, so it felt good to get back to competition today” Iron Mountain coach Marcus Celello said.

“Playing Iron Mountain is something we definitely look forward to,” Kingsford coach Tracy Rutter added.

All the day’s matches went two sets. In the No. 1 singles match, IM’s Callie Bianco knocked off Ashlyn Blaskowski 6-2, 7-5 in a highly competitive match.

“Callie Bianco battled through some early adversity in the second set to cap a well-played match,” Celello said. “She, along with the rest of the team, will only get better as we get more matches behind us.

“The No. 1 singles match was very intense,” Rutter said. “Close points and some great shots. Callie and Ashlyn are both equally matched. It could have gone either way. Ashlyn came back and almost forced a third set. Her positive attitude and drive are top notch.”

Iron Mountain also captured the final three singles matches in straight sets. No. 2 Aziza Burgoon defeated Paige Janousek 6-1, 6-1, No. 3 Natalie Brown recorded a 6-0, 6-2 triumph over Ella Rizzo and No. 4 Rediet Husing posted a 6-1, 6-1 win over Allette Shanks.

In the top doubles flight, Elle Lofholm and Anja Kleiman upended Lexie Vross and Ellyce Doenier 6-1, 6-3 for the Mountaineers’ other victory.

“Elle Lofholm and Anja Kleiman continued to show their chemistry, and this was the best they’ve played all season,” Celello said.

Kingsford won the final three doubles flights. At No. 2, Addison Rutter and Linnea Grubb knocked off Avea Brown and Anika Cameron 6-2, 6-2. In the third doubles flight, Audrey Veale and Aubrey Phillips fought off Hailey Greenleaf and Kilee Howe 6-3, 7-5, and at No. 4 doubles, Ava Lovell and Libby Vross defeated Maddie Powell and Mallory Maracini 6-0, 6-2.

Celello said he was impressed with all his players on Thursday.

“All of the girls played great, including the flights we dropped. We are moving in a positive direction, and we are looking forward to another tough test against West Iron on Monday.”

Report compiled by staff writer Jerry DeRoche.