On Saturday and Sunday, the Hillsdale College Chargers defeated Purdue Northwest University and no. 22 Ferris State University for a 2-0 weekend and a 5-0 start to the season.
In no. 1 doubles on Saturday, junior Charlie Adams and senior Justin Hyman won 6-1, while the available doubles point was clinched through a 7-5 win by junior Julien Clouette and freshman Brian Hackman in no. 3 doubles.
In the no. 1 singles flight Adams achieved a 6-1, 6-2 win. Most significantly, Saturday’s match marked coach Keith Turner’s 100th coaching career win.
“Keith is a great recruiter — we wouldn’t all be here if it wasn’t for the work he did in the off seasons,” senior John Ciraci said. “He cultivated this great team culture so that we can win in high-pressure situations.”
Turner says he’s optimistic about this season and the work his team has put in.
“I feel very good about the upcoming season,” Turner said. “I have a hard-working, dedicated group of guys that continue to improve on the court.”
On Sunday the Chargers maintained their winning streak, knocking off Ferris State. The win was the Chargers’ first against a nationally-ranked team since 2015.
In no. 3 doubles, Clouette and Hackman earned a 6-2 win, but Ferris State ended up taking the doubles point with victories in no. 1 and 2.
A suspenseful wave of 7-6, 6-7, 7-5, ultimately ended in an important win for Adams in the no. 1 singles flight. Adams is undefeated this season with an overall record of 5-0.
“Honestly, it was a little nerve-racking, because I knew I had to win the match if we had the chance to win,” Adams said. “It’s the best feeling to win a match that close. It shows that every practice, every lift — it’s all worth it.”
The Chargers will look to maintain their perfect record by taking on Southern Indiana University on Friday, and Bellarmine University on Saturday.
