SEWARD, Neb. – The Concordia University Men’s Tennis team hosted senior day inside the Walz Fieldhouse on Tuesday night (Apr. 16). Midland pulled ahead with a doubles point, and made it tough on the Bulldogs through the end of the 2-5 dual. No.1 Hugo Fuentes had a massive day going 2-0 in the loss to the Warriors. Luke Johnson was honored as the lone senior in the program.
Concordia moves to 1-4 GPAC and 7-12 overall. Head Coach Lisa Hart commented on senior day and how the men played.
“We are going to miss Luke so much. He has been an awesome guy to have in our program and it will be really hard to see him go. I’m proud of the guys and how they played. I felt like we were right there in some matches, especially doubles. Hugo and Manuel played with passion and intensity. I’m proud to see the progression of Hugo through the season. That was a great win for him. Now, we move on to Hastings.”
Down 3-1, Hugo Fuentes started hot against Ben Starman taking the first set (6-4). After Starman (1-6) made the match go to a third set, Fuentes kept his composure and started dealing. He finished the third frame (6-3) with his hands in the air. The Denia, Spain, native has now won three out of his last four matches at No. 1.
Earlier in the evening, No. 2 Manuel Rodriguez seized the first Bulldog win over Daniel Liebig in a straight set victory (6-2, 6-2). In doubles, No. 2s Santi Abadia and Fuentes defeated Arthur Hernandes and Vitor Goncalves, 6-3, but lost the point due to the other dual matches.
Others playing in singles were No. 3 Abadia, No. 4 Michael Bedrosian, No. 5 Grady Works and No. 6 Luke Johnson.
The Warriors were led by No. 3 Joren Stevens (2-0) and No. 5 Nathen Bitzer (1-0), who won every match played. Midland will face Doane this Saturday in Fremont, Neb.
Concordia (7-12, 1-4 GPAC) will face off against Hastings (1-13, 0-3 GPAC) to clinch a spot in the GPAC championships on Saturday. The Bulldogs will travel to Hastings, Neb., and are set to compete at 11 a.m. CT.