Tennis team peaking at the right time

By Patrick Browne
IRON RIVER – The Lady Wykons tennis team is a team to watch. The team is once again in the position of playing for the Division 2 U.P. Championship, meaning the community could be celebrating on Sept. 29.
After early season challenges which saw the team fall to 1-6-1, many teams would have been unable to recover. However, after a tie with a very strong Iron Mountain team and two victories this week, the girls are looking ready to make a run at the title. 
“We are starting to gain some momentum down the stretch with the tournaments just around the corner,” said Coach Joe Serbentas. 
With the decisive victories against Menominee and Ironwood, the Lady Wykons tennis team is playing their best tennis with just two weeks remaining in the season. 
On Monday, Sept. 12 West Iron defeated Menominee 5–3 in a closely contested match. Aubrey Bice played first singles and won: 6–1, 6–2; Seanna Stine played second singles and won: 6–0, 6-4. 
Both girls got the Wykons off on the right foot and doubles teams of Callista Bortolameolli and Lillie Schmutzler (first doubles),  Autumn Smith and Kaitlyn Smith (second doubles), and Bailey Hoffart and Aubrey Richardson (third doubles) fought hard to win their matches and solidify the victory. The following day, Sept. 13, the Wykons managed a rare feat when they defeated Ironwood 8–0.  
While the teams were unevenly matched as Ironwood goes through a rebuilding year, the first three doubles teams for the Wykons all shut out their opponents in straight sets 60– 6–0.
Keep an eye on the Lady Wykons as we anticipate a strong performance to end the season and a potential Division 2 U.P. Championship on Sept. 29.