Written by Brett Brannon. Media by Joe Hubbs.
The GC Men’s Tennis team headed south last week, for their annual trip to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Due to inclement weather, the Panthers were looking to shake off some rust. They had not played a match in nearly three weeks.
After beginning the week with a couple of very close, painful defeats, the Panthers stuck together and gained a convincing 6-3 victory over Gordon College. The Panthers were led by their #1 doubles tandem of Alex Dowley and Jonathan Urshan. They ran their record at #1 doubles to 4-1 with an 8-5 victory over a team that had defeated GC’s #1 doubles team convincingly last year. Coach Brett Brannon stated, “Jon and Alex played some of the best doubles that I have seen from any of our teams in recent years. The three teams that they just defeated on spring break are all very tough teams. We will need them to continue to set the tone for us in doubles as we enter conference play.”
Also gaining doubles victories for the Panthers against Gordon were the #2 team of Justin McDonald and Ryan Haas (8-2), and the #3 team of Code Power and Demetrius Bush (8-1). In singles play Ryan Haas played great tennis as he gained a 6-1, 6-0 victory at #3 singles. Demetrius Bush staged a dramatic comeback at #4 singles winning 4-6, 6-1, 10-8. Code Power made quick work of his opponent at #6 singles 6-0, 6-0. The Panthers played the match without senior singles specialist Naoya Uematsu. He has been recovering from an arm injury.
Highlights of the week included a 3-1 record by Sophomore Code Power at #5 and #6 singles, a 3-1 record posted by Demetrius Bush and Code Power at #3 doubles. The Panthers season record now stands at 3-4. The Panthers will open conference play this coming Saturday as Fontbonne University travels to Greenville for a 9am match. The Panthers will also take on Millikin University on Saturday at 3pm.
