LINCOLN, Neb. – The Concordia University men’s tennis team won four singles matches on its way to a 5-4 win over Southwestern College (Kan.) on Friday evening. The Bulldogs had trailed 2-1 after doubles play in a contest that took place inside the Abbott Sports Complex in Lincoln, Neb.
Second-year head coach Joel Reckewey’s squad has won two of its last three matches to improve to 3-4 overall.
“It was a courageous effort from our team. It’s nice to win a close match,” Reckewey said. “I am proud of the way we fought until the very end.”
With the match tied 3-3, the outcome rested in the hands of the Nos. 4 through 6 singles spots. Junior Patricio Esquivel and freshman Gabe Poling claimed victories at the Nos. 4 and 5 positions to clinch the team win. Esquivel’s second set came down to a tiebreaker.
Freshman Willy Pardos continued his impressive freshman campaign, taking part in wins at No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles on Friday. Pardos defeated Jonahs Joudrey, 6-1, 6-2, and then teamed up with junior Javier Moreno for Concordia’s lone doubles triumph in an 8-2 decision. Moreno also enjoyed a perfect night, picking up a win at No. 3 singles, 7-6, 3-6 (12-10).
The Bulldogs now own wins over Grand View University (Iowa), Ottawa University (Kan.) and Southwestern (0-1). The Moundbuilders are a member of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.
Concordia will return to action in one week when it challenges Tabor College (0-0) in a match slated for a 1 p.m. first serve in Lincoln.