The Hillsdale men’s tennis team broke a three-match losing streak at home last weekend with a 6-1 win against Walsh University. 

The Chargers pulled out the victory over a G-MAC rival and fellow perennial title contender, improving their win-loss record to 9-5 on Sunday.

“We played Walsh University in conference match — a super important match for us,” senior Tyler Conrad said. “It determines some of the seating at the conference tournament. We won it 6-1 which was a huge win because they’re a pretty good level team.”

The doubles point went to Hillsdale with two match wins from the No. 1 and the No. 3 players. No. 1 junior Brennan Cimpeanu and senior Brian Hackman won 6-3, and No. 3 junior Daniel Gilbert and freshman Aiden Pack won 6-1. 

“I played well this past weekend — ended up winning doubles 6-3 with Brian Hackman and singles 6-1, 6-2,” Cimpeanu said. “We only played one dual match this weekend and the team did well. We won 6-1 which is a super strong score against a team like Walsh who is a top ranked team in our conference.” 

Conrad and junior Sean Barstow lost their doubles match 4-6. 

“At two doubles we had a hard time,” Conrad said. “The other team played pretty well, but it didn’t really matter. The point was clinched before we even finished.”

The Chargers came out on top in singles as well, suffering only one loss at the No. 2 position with Pack losing 10-12, 3-6.

“The guy they have at No. 2 is a good player,” Conrad said. “He played No. 1 for most of the season for them, so it’s just a tough spot.”

No. 1 singles Cimpeanu took his point 6-1, 6-2, No. 3 Conrad 6-1, 6-4, No. 4 Hackman 6-1, 6-3, No. 5 Barstow 6-3, 6-1, and No. 6 Gilbert 6-2, 6-4. 

“I played very well,” Conrad said. “It’s nice getting a win. I’m coming back from a sprained wrist, so it was nice to get that under my belt.” 

This win placed Hillsdale in a good position for making it into the top four in the end of season G-MAC Tournament. 

The Chargers are back on the road next week to play Kentucky Wesleyan April 1 and Wayne St. April 4. 

“This weekend should be an easy victory since we are playing Kentucky Wesleyan,” Cimpeanu said. “Our goal is to stay focused and win without putting our guard down.”

The Chargers have kept themselves even with Ashland and Cedarville in the rankings as they prepare to play them both in coming weeks. 

“We just need to keep up the same focus going on our last regular season road trip,” Gilbert said. “In conference play, we can’t afford to let up even for one match or practice.”