Men's Tennis | 2/17/2014 11:08:00 AM
Hastings, Neb. - The McPherson College Bulldog's Tennis Team made the trek up to Hastings College to take on the Broncos this past Sunday, February 16. The conditions were not ideal and the match was not pretty, but the Bulldogs gritted out an ugly match to come home with a 6-3 over the Broncos.
In doubles, the Bronco's definitely had home court advantage as the first two doubles matches were close. Both at number one and number two doubles, each team kept pace with each other until late in the match. The Bulldogs struck first with their top duo finally getting the break they needed at 6-5 and cruised from that point to an 8-6 victory to give McPherson the early 1-0 lead. At number two doubles the 'Dogs also got a break at 5-4, but unfortunately gave it right back; the duo of Jordan Stewart and Allen Darmawan forced a tie-breaker but unlucky points did not land their way and the Broncos were able to shut out the pair to tie-the score at 1-1. At the number three doubles position it was all Broncos as they were able to use big serves and home court advantage, earning an 8-2 win over the Bulldogs and going into singles play with a 2-1.
In singles, the Bulldogs were able to play smart and steady to out match the Broncos. Freshman Joan-Marc Fajula Rodriguez gave the Bulldogs the tying point with his quick work against his opponent winning 6-1, 6-2. Hastings was able to take the lead once more as Darmawan fell to his opponent 7-5, 6-3. It was all Bulldogs after that though as Senior Sean De Young and junior Jaime Roman stayed solid to capture their singles matches in straight sets. Junior Michael Irwin gave the Bulldogs the deciding point with is 6-3, 6-3 victory at the number 6 singles position.
"Although the conditions were not ideal I think this was a good win for us to get under our belts," said Coach Benito. "It was tough to get proper footing on their courts and sometimes the bounce was uneven but our players handled it pretty well. You've got to learn how to win the ugly matches and that's what we did today."
Next up for the Bulldogs is a full weekend next week with Emporia State on Saturday and Barton County on Sunday. Both matches are to be played at Genesis Healthclub in Salina.
Final Score: McPherson College 6, Hastings College 3
Doubles:
1) Bulnes/Fajula Rodriguez (Mac) def. Inman/Bachle (HC) 8-6
2) Ritzdorf/Gueswell (HC) def. Stewart/Darmawan (Mac) 9-8(0)
3) Mathery/Sandwich (HC) def. Roman/Schafer (Mac) 8-2
Order of finish: 1, 2, 3
Singles:
1) Rafael Bulnes (Mac) def. McKay Inman (HC) 6-4, 7-6(2)
2) Joan-Marc Fajula Rodriguez (Mac) def. Seton Bachle (HC) 6-1, 6-2
3) Joe Ritzdorf (HC) def. Allen Darmawan (Mac) 7-5, 6-3
4) Sean De Young (Mac) def. Mark Gueswell (HC) 6-3, 6-4
5) Jaime Roman (Mac) def. Kolby Mathery (HC) 6-4, 6-2
6) Michael Irwin (Mac) def. Leland Dexter (HC) 6-3, 6-3
Order of finish: 2, 3, 4, 6*, 5, 1
*Clinched match
