After winning three straight at the beginning of April, the Hillsdale College Chargers dropped both matches over the weekend on the road against Tiffin University and the University of Findlay. The Chargers are now 13-7, 3-2 in G-MAC play.
On April 6, the Chargers faced off against Spring Arbor University. After winning each doubles match to clinch the first point, the Chargers went on to win five of six singles matches, ending the match 6-1.
Though the Chargers won by a large margin, five of the six singles matches were close calls. Senior Jerry Hewitt did particularly well at no. 5 singles, winning in two quick sets, 6-1, 6-0.
The following day, the Chargers blanked Kentucky Wesleyan, 7-0. Hillsdale recorded 6-0 sets in every match versus Kentucky Wesleyan. Senior John Ciraci, freshman Brian Hackman, and Hewitt won all of their matches without dropping a game.
The Chargers only dropped two points throughout the entire match. Hackman said it gave the team confidence looking forward to two important conference matches against Tiffin University and the University of Findlay.
Hackman added that the team has been struggling with doubles play lately. He stressed the importance of winning doubles. “It gives us a sense of momentum going into singles,” he said.
But that momentum didn’t hold this weekend, which featured strong winds and tougher competition. The Chargers were blanked by Tiffin, though each match was decided by a close margin.
The next day, the Chargers were unable to bounce back in a 1-4 loss to Findlay. Szabo edged out his opponent on the no. 4 court to come out on top 6-4, 7-5 for the Chargers’ only point of the match.
Senior John Ciraci played a close match in his three-set loss on the no. 3 court. After taking the opening set 6-4, he dropped the second set at the very end and couldn’t get back on top in the third.
Before the postseason, the Chargers have home matches on Friday and Saturday against Northwood and Cedarville Universities.
