Senior Sean Barstow has 105 career wins. Courtesy | Hillsdale College Athletic Department 

The men’s tennis team lost two home matches to undefeated programs in the G-MAC April 12-13.

The Chargers lost 6-1 to Findlay University on Friday, losing the doubles point and five of six matches in singles play.

In doubles play, the Chargers won one of three matches with senior Tyler Conrad and freshman Ellis Klanduch securing a 7-5 win at No. 2 doubles. The Chargers lost 4-6 at both No.1 and No. 3 doubles. 

In singles play, the Chargers faced tough competition, winning just one of six matches. Both senior Sean Barstow at No. 3 singles, and Klanduch at No. 4 singles took their matches to third sets, but came up short in narrow defeats. Senior Daniel Gilbert got a 6-2, 6-2, victory at No. 6 singles, securing Hillsdale’s only point.

“It felt good to win my match against them,” Gilbert said. “Knowing that I can get a good win against a solid Findlay team definitely improves my confidence as we move into the last part of the season.”

The Chargers faced another 6-1 loss in their final home match and Senior Day against Tiffin University on Saturday, losing the doubles point, and five of six matches in singles play.

In doubles play, the Chargers lost all three matches, with Barstow and sophomore Aidan Pack pushing their opponents to a tiebreaker at No. 1 doubles before coming to a 7-6 (3) loss.

The Chargers won their only point at No. 2 singles with Conrad claiming a 6-4 victory in the match after his opponent retired in the second set. Klanduch also played a tough match, pushing his opponent to tiebreakers in both the first and second set before falling short to a 7-6 (4), 7-6 (3) loss.

Assistant coach Brian Hackman ‘23 and head coach Keith Turner reminisced on Senior Day saying all the seniors have left a unique mark on the team. 

“Conrad is definitely a role model on the team,” Hackman said. “He is hard-working, competitive, and never counts himself out against any opponent. He’s fought through injuries and never wants to let the team down.”

Turner said it will be impossible to replace the seniors on and off the court.

“Barstow, Gilbert, and Conrad have had a huge impact on the team the last 4 to 5 years,” Turner said. “They will be greatly missed.”

Hillsdale now stands 10-8 overall and 5-2 in G-MAC play with one match left before the G-MAC Tournament at the end of April. 

The Chargers will play a critical match against Walsh University on Sunday, April 21, as both teams are tied for third place with Northwood in the G-MAC standings 

“Walsh will be a close match,” Turner said. “We know it’s an important match to hopefully move up in the G-MAC standings.”