FREMONT, Neb. – The postseason push for Concordia University men’s tennis concluded when it ran into conference champion Hastings in the GPAC semifinals. The Bulldogs were one of the last four standing after clipping Midland, 5-4, in the quarterfinals. Concordia then bowed out after falling, 5-0, while up against the Broncos in a match that took place at the Fremont High School Tennis Complex in Fremont, Neb., on Friday.
Head coach Joel Reckewey’s squad entered the tournament as the No. 4 seed after placing fourth in the GPAC during the regular season. The Bulldogs finished the 2017 season with an overall mark of 10-12.
A highlight performer all season, sophomore Gabe Poling captured his team high 16th singles win by a 6-4, 6-7, 6-2, decision at No. 4 in the win over Midland. Poling and company rallied back after facing a 2-1 deficit following doubles action. Poling and Javier Moreno eked out a crucial 9-7 triumph at the No. 2 doubles spot. Concordia then took singles matches at the Nos. 1, 2, 4 and 5 spots to earn its second 5-4 victory over Midland this season.
Besides Poling, other Bulldog singles winners were Thomas Greeff (No. 1), Moreno (No. 2) and Lucas Zoller (No. 3).
In the round that followed, Hastings ran away from Concordia by sweeping through doubles. Greeff and Zoller came closest to victory, falling 9-7 at the No. 1 spot. The Broncos ended the match early by taking decisions at singles positions Nos. 4 and 6.