Kirsten Liekem earned one of three victories for Flowing Wells in a 6-3 loss to Salpointe Catholic.

Rich-Joseph Facun / Arizona Daily Star

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Convincing wins by Flowing Wells twins Tristany and Kirsten Liekem were not enough to keep Salpointe Catholic from a 6-3 victory Tuesday at the Tucson Racquet and Fitness Club.

Fighting wind gusts and remnants of illness and injuries, the Lancers managed to win all the matches not involving the Liekems.

In the No. 1 singles position, Tristany Liekem breezed to a 6-1, 6-1 win against Kate McGeorge with an overpowering forehand and formidable presence at the net.

"I played Kate all last year, so I kind of learned her style," Tristany Liekem said.

Tristany Liekem said the wind was challenging but was not a distraction.

"It's been really windy the past couple of months, so I've learned how to play with it," she said.

Kirsten Liekem, playing No. 2 singles, had a tougher match but prevailed over Emily Feldhousen 6-3, 6-3.

The match's defining moment came in the first game of the second set, a game that lasted more than 20 minutes. Kirsten Liekem finally took it after a forehand error by Feldhousen.

"My hat's off to Tristany and Kirsten," Salpointe coach Perri Touche said. "They are tough."

Touche said overall she was happy with her team's play, especially with some players having been ill.

"I'm not making excuses, but Kate was coming back from the flu, and this is Emily's first match in a month; she's been sick with pneumonia."

The Liekems took the doubles point with an 8-1 win.

Flowing Wells assistant coach Bev Waters said the twins are looking forward to the state tournament and hope to repeat as champions.

"They always play really competitive," Waters said. "I think they enjoy being put up against a wall."

Flowing Wells faces Catalina Foothills in a matchup today that likely will challenge the Liekems in a way Salpointe could not.

"It will be a really good match," Tristany Liekem said.

Salpointe will travel to Sierra Vista Buena on Thursday for a 5A Southern Region match.