FREMONT, Neb. – The Northwestern College men's tennis team competed in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) as the No. 6 seed and fell to the Bulldogs of Concordia (Neb.) University, 1-4.

"We played very well against Concordia," stated head coach Monte Tilgner.

On the doubles side Juan Mackrey (Sr., Balcare, Argentina) and Collin Harmelink (Fr., Sioux Falls, S.D.) dropped a close set 4-6 in the No. 2 spot. Jack Roisum (So., Rapid City, S.D.) and Noah Roisum (So., Rapid City, S.D.) also dropped their match in the No. 3 spot. With two losses Concordia clinched the doubles point and the No. 1 match was stopped with it tied 4-4.

Coach Tilgner, "The doubles point was determined by one break of serve in the #2 doubles match. I am very confident we were going to win the #1 doubles match the way it was going when it was ended with the doubles point being clinched."

Mackrey picked up a win in the No. 3 spot 4-6, 6-1, 6-3. Brian VandenBerg (Jr., Mason City, Iowa) drop a three set match 4-6, 6-2, 0-6. Concordia went up 3-1 with a loss in the No. 4 spot by Harmelink, 5-7, 0-6. The winning point was clinched by the Bulldogs with a loss 4-6, 4-6 in the No. 5 spot.

"The #1,2, and 3 singles all went to three sets," stated Tilgner. "Juan played and outstanding match winning the second and third sets 6-1, 6-3. Jack played a very good match losing 6-4, 6-4, and Brian lost a tough three set match. When the match ended, David was up a break and playing very well in his third set."

The Raiders will finish the season with a 10-9 record. Coach Tilgner concluded with, "I am so proud of these young men this year. This was the first time the men have had 10 wins in over 20 years and I think even better things are coming next year."
 

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