The men’s tennis team lost 6-1 against Wayne State University while on the road with sophomore Henry Hammond scoring the only point for Hillsdale at No. 5 singles March 1.

While facing the No. 13 team in the nation and one of the top-ranked teams in the Midwest Region, the Chargers lost the doubles point and five of six singles matches.

At doubles play, the Chargers lost all three matches. Hammond and sophomore Ellis Klanduch lost 6-1 at No. 1 doubles, freshmen Samuel Plys and Eddie Bergelin lost 6-2 at No. 2 doubles, and freshman Rintaro Goda and Ryan Papazov lost 6-4 at No. 3 doubles. 

Plys said he and Eddie have a good dynamic on the court, but there are times when they are not in sync. He said he is excited to continue working on perfecting their chemistry.

“I am excited to play doubles with him and see what damage we can cause, especially at the end of the season,” Plys said. 

At singles play, Hammond pushed his opponent to a first set tiebreak, winning the tie break 7-2, playing on to secure a 7-6, 6-1, victory in the match. 

Klanduch lost 4-6, 5-7, at No.1 singles against nationally ranked Cedric Drenth, with Papazov, Plys, and Goda playing their opponents to a third set loss.

Plys said he was proud of the way he performed and the match was a good test on his abilities. 

“I was able to come to a better understanding of what I can fix in my game and make adjustments so I can later come out with a win,” Plys said.

Goda said the match gave the team confidence because the Chargers were able to put up a good fight at singles play against a strong team. 

“I personally feel like I have been improving significantly and playing a really good team assured me that we were getting better,” Goda said.

The Chargers are competing in the Professional Tennis Registry Spring Tennis Fest against West Liberty University March 11 and Millersville University March 12. 

Head coach Keith Turner said the team is eager to play in the Spring Tennis Fest because it will help them get more comfortable playing outside again. 

“Hopefully this trip gets us ready for the conference season where most of the matches should be played outside,” Turner said.