The Hillsdale College men’s tennis team is set to hit the court for its first home match on Feb. 4. 

Hillsdale will be facing off against Cornerstone University, hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan. The match will begin at 12:00 p.m. in the Margot Biermann Athletic Center.

“Team morale is great right now,” junior Daniel Gilbert said. “Everyone is starting to click at the right time with our first match coming up this Saturday. We have an opportunity to win a lot of matches this year if we stay focused.” 

The team is made up of 10 players, three of whom are graduating seniors. Three freshmen members will also be competing for the Chargers this spring. 

The team has a daily practice schedule that has been preparing them for the start of their spring season. 

“We practice Monday through Friday for two hours,” Gilbert said. “On Tuesdays and Thursdays we also have an hour-long lift.” 

Junior Brennan Cimpeanu said that the team has been attending tournaments this past semester to help them prepare. One tournament from this fall particularly stood out to Cimpeanu. 

“ITA Cup was a very fun and humbling experience,” Cimpeanu said. 

Junior Sean Barstow, attended the tournament with Cimpeanu. It was Cimpeanu’s second year competing in the tournament. 

“I know these guys have been working hard all year just for these next three months.” he said. 

Cimpeanu said he predicts this spring should be a great season for the Chargers. 

“Considering all of our setbacks from last year, this year is looking a lot more promising,” Cimpeanu said. “Not only do we have a great coach that pushes us to be our best, but we have ten guys who work so hard everyday.” 

Gilbert said he is looking forward to playing against the team’s long standing rival, Tiffin University.

“Since I’ve been here they’ve always been our biggest rival and we’ve had some very close matches with them,” Gilbert said. “They won the conference last year so I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to get some revenge.”

Cimpeanu said he enjoys the comradery he shares with his teammates. 

“My favorite part of the team is for sure the guys,” Cimpeanu said. “We have somehow found 10 great guys from all around the United States and other countries and formed a family. I love these guys.”

According to Cimpeanu, this is his third and final season playing for the Chargers.  

“It has been such a blessing playing here and it’s bittersweet knowing that this is my last season playing for the Chargers,” Cimpeanu said.