FREMONT, Neb. – The Concordia University men’s tennis team dug out of a 2-1 hole after doubles, rallying for its first conference victory of the 2017 season. Behind the continued steady play of sophomore Gabe Poling, the Bulldogs squeaked by Midland, 5-4, in Fremont, Neb., on Thursday evening.
The victory put an end to a four-match skid for third-year head coach Joel Reckewey’s squad. Concordia improved its records to 6-10 overall and to 1-2 in conference action.
The margin for error was razor thin on Thursday. Half of the singles bouts went to third-set tiebreakers. The Bulldogs pulled out two of those. The team decision ultimately came down to the No. 6 singles spot, where Concordia freshman Josh Miller outlasted Steven Deere, 6-7, 6-2, 10-8. At No. 1, sophomore Thomas Greeff held off Andy McDill, 2-6, 6-2, 10-4.
Additional Bulldog singles wins were produced by senior Patricio Esquivel, 6-2, 7-5, at No. 3 and by Poling, 6-1, 6-0, at No. 4. Poling has now won four-straight matches and has improved his season singles record to 13-2. He has yet to fall at the hands of a GPAC opponent.
In doubles action, the combo of Javier Moreno and Poling came away victorious, 8-3. The Warriors (8-10, 0-2 GPAC) took wins at the Nos. 1 and 3 positions.
Before closing out the Easter weekend, Concordia will go up against Mount Marty (0-0) at 12 p.m. CT on Saturday. The match will take place inside the Abbott Sports Complex in Lincoln.