Men's Tennis | 5/12/2023 11:00:00 AM
McPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson College Bulldogs, fresh of their eighth consecutive KCAC Tournament title, learned they are taking on No. 13-seeded Ave Maria University in Mobile, Ala. on May 16 at 1 p.m.
"It's that time of year again, and we're pumped up to head into nationals knowing a little bit more about the competition we will be facing," head coach Keiran President said.
The Bulldogs landed the No. 20 seed in the NAIA National Tournament, their highest seed since 2017, following an 18-6 record that included wins over (RV) Midland University and (20) Oakland City University.
"Playing as many ranked teams as we have this season has helped us in many ways leading up to nationals," President said. "Ave Maria played St. Thomas, a team we had a very competitive match against, and fell short 4-3. We know what we are capable of and will go out and give it the best we got Tuesday."
The Ave Maria University Gyrenes come into the matchup with an 8-6 record this season and hold a 2-4 mark against the tournament field. The Gyrenes' two wins came against (7) Xavier-La. and (15) St. Thomas, both on the road.
Six schools on the Bulldogs' regular-season schedule are in the tournament field. The Bulldogs have wins over (21) Oakland City, (23) Midland, and (24) Southwestern. McPherson fell to 10th-seeded Middle Georgia State 6-1 and the overall No. 2 seed Georgia Gwinnett.
The Bulldogs have won a match in the NAIA National Championship Tournament in two of their appearances (2015 and 2018.)
With a win, the Bulldogs will advance to take on No. 4-seeded Tennessee Wesleyan on Wednesday (May 17) at 1 p.m.
"Thank you to everyone who came out to support us throughout this season. We will continue to make you all proud of us a represent you all and McPherson to the fullest! Go Bulldogs!"
