The men’s tennis team lost two home matches against top-ranked teams in the Midwest region over the weekend, falling to 1-4 in the season. 

The Chargers fell to the Davenport University Panthers 6-1 Feb. 15, losing the doubles point and five of the six singles matches. 

Sophomores Henry Hammond and Ellis Klanduch secured a win against Davenport at No. 1 doubles with a score of 6-2, but the Chargers lost the doubles point against the Panthers after suffering a defeat at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles. 

Head coach Keith Turner said Hammond and Klanduch have a good dynamic and won their match by returning serves well after the first game. 

“They’ve been playing together since the fall and have grown comfortable as a team,” Turner said.

At singles play, freshman Eddie Bergelin won at No. 5 singles with a 6-3, 6-4 victory, gaining Hillsdale its one and only point of the match. 

Freshman Rintaro Goda was close to winning a point for Hillsdale at No. 6 singles, pushing his opponent to a third set, but losing in a 3-6, 6-1, 3-10 defeat. 

Goda said he is still getting used to playing in dual matches but has more confidence than he did at the beginning of the season.

“I still feel a ton of pressure especially before getting on the court; however, once I’m on the court, I feel more comfortable going for my shots and playing under pressure,” Goda said.

The Chargers lost 5-2 against the Ferris State University Bulldogs Feb. 16, losing the doubles point and four of six singles matches. 

At singles play, freshman Alejandro Lopez-Cordero pushed his opponent to the third set at No. 3 singles, securing a 6-4, 4-6, 1-0 victory. Freshman Samuel Plys also secured a win for Hillsdale at No. 6 singles with a 6-2, 6-1 victory.

Goda said he enjoyed competing against Davenport and Ferris State because it made the team better.

“It was great playing against some of the top teams in the G-MACk,” Goda said. “It really revealed our weaknesses, allowing us to become better for our next match.”

Director of Athletics John Tharp encourages students to come watch the men’s tennis team play at home because it is entertaining but also motivates the players to be better.

“It is a joy to watch your classmates compete at a very high level of tennis,” Tharp said. “The matches are intense, and support will only inspire our student athletes even more.”

The Chargers will go on the road to Indiana this weekend to play Goshen College Feb. 22.