Sophomore Ryan Papazov competing in a match against Michigan Tech.
Courtesy | Hillsdale Athletic Department
Hillsdale men’s tennis opened its spring season with a pair of home victories in a weekend doubleheader, beating Spring Arbor University 6–1 and Michigan Tech University 5–2.
On Jan. 30, the Chargers swept Spring Arbor, clinching the doubles point and five out of six singles matches to seal their victory.
The No. 1 doubles pair sophomore Ryan Papazov and junior Ellis Klanduch were tied 5–5 before breaking the deadlock by taking the next two games, winning the match, and clinching the doubles point for the Chargers.
Also in doubles, junior Henry Hammond and freshman Patrick Cretu defeated their opponents 6–3.
In singles, Hammond went on to defeat Daniel Rodriguez Fortes, taking a tight first set before cruising to a 6–1 win in the second.
“Henry Hammond also had a really good weekend, dismantling both of his opponents in singles,” sophomore Sam Plys said. “He played high-level, dominant tennis the whole weekend, and also had some really solid points in doubles as well.”
Plys battled for three hours to win at No. 2 singles, 6–4, 7–6.
“It was constantly a mental battle,” Plys said. “I had to push through long rallies every point to eventually pull out that match. My opponent was playing really good tennis, and I am glad I kept my head clear and came out on top.”
Teammate Papazov weighed in with his take on Plys’ match.
“Sam was playing chess, and his opponent was playing checkers,” Papazov said.
The next day, Hillsdale battled Michigan Tech, dropping the doubles point but winning five out of six singles matches.
Papazov pulled out a decisive 6–3, 6–1 victory against Landon Coates at No. 1 singles.
“I went much farther beyond what I had done on Friday,” Papazov said. “I played a lot better; a lot more intentionally.”
Cretu took control early, taking the first set 6–1. He closed out a tighter second set to defeat opponent Andres Horobeanu 6–1, 7–5.
“Patrick did an incredible job playing loose and staying mentally strong in the big moments when it mattered, clinching for us what at the time was a very close match against Michigan Tech, a team that had beaten us last year,” Plys said.
Sophomore Alex Cordero Lopez sealed the team victory with a hard-fought 7–5, 7–6 (5) win over Ian Pinoo.
Plys said he was encouraged by the Chargers’ doubles performance over the weekend.
“I believe that our level has significantly increased this past year, and we can confidently pull out more wins from doubles,” Plys said.
The Chargers will compete again Feb. 7 against Goshen College in the Margot V. Biermann Athletic Center.
“I think we’ve got a really strong lineup, and we’re gonna be a force to be reckoned with,” Papazov said.
