The Hillsdale College men’s tennis team finished 1-1 this weekend, losing to Indiana Tech University 4-3 on Friday before sweeping Kentucky Wesleyan University 7-0 on Saturday, March 27.
The Chargers dropped the doubles point against Indiana Tech, losing narrowly in No. 1 and No. 3 doubles 7-6 (7-4) in both. Freshman Brennan Cimpeanu and senior Gabe Katz won at No. 2 doubles 6-3.
“We have to find a way to get the doubles point,” head coach Keith Turner said. “We can’t keep relying on our singles lineup to win four matches against the stronger teams.”
In singles, the Chargers went 3-3. Sophomore Tyler Conrad won at No. 1 singles 6-2, 7-6 (7-4), and Cimpeanu at No. 2 singles won 6-4, 6-1. Freshman Sean Barstow grabbed the last singles win 6-3, 2-6, 6-1.
“Conrad has been the biggest surprise this year,” Turner said. “I thought putting him at the No. 1 singles spot could be tough for him but he’s handled it very well. I’m very pleased with his 7-4 record at that spot.”
The Chargers doubles teams bounced back on Saturday against Kentucky Wesleyan, with Conrad and Barstow winning 6-2 and Cimpeanu and Katz winning 6-0.
The Chargers won all four singles matches to secure the win, with all four players winning in straight sets. Conrad won 6-1, 6-4, and Cimpeanu won 6-1, 6-0. Barstow and freshman Daniel Gilbert got the last two wins, winning 6-0, 6-0 and 6-0, 6-1.
“Considering this is my first college season, it was nice getting to play a team that is competing for the GMAC title,” Cimpeanu said.
Cimpeanu said there have been many fun memories with the team.
“One that I hope will continue is spending time with one another at dinner time each day and playing some games afterwards,” Cimpeanu said. “It is always fun to bond with the guys and get closer as a team.”
The match against Kentucky Wesleyan began the G-MAC play for the Chargers, who will compete on the road against Cedarville University on Saturday, April 3 at 11 a.m.
“The key to winning the Cedarville match will be how we handle the outdoor conditions,” Turner said. “We will have only had a couple of outdoor practices before that match.”