ELSAH, ILL. -- In match one today the Panthers faced NAIA Missouri Baptist in the best weather we have seen this season. The match turned out to be a four hour closely played match with three deciding matches played to the third set. While the Panthers competed more fiercely than they have all season, they would end up losing 3-6. 

The Panthers started the match down 1-2 in doubles. #2 doubles Zimmerman/Wold played bold tennis, finishing off their opponents 8-3. This would keep Principia close to Missouri Baptist heading into singles. 

Missouri Baptist took #1 singles 3-6,1-6, going ahead 1-3. However the Panthers did not let up. Todd Zimmerman, Principia's #2 singles, played an amazing 7-6 (7-5), 6-2 match. Zimmerman won due to his amazing defense and thoughtful play on the court. As the only senior tennis player, he was a strong leader on the court today, playing consistent tennis. #4 singles player Brian Wold, recently moved up in the line up and proved today he deserved to be there with a decisive 6-4, 6-2 win. Another well played match was contributed by #5 singles player Scott Ross, who despite going down 2-6 in the first set, would come back to the match 2-6, 7-5, 6-4.

While the Panthers lost a match they could have won, individually many players were able to play their game and maintain that game even when put under pressure.

Match two for the Panthers against Concordia Seminary allowed the team to continue playing the game they had established in the first match.  #2 doubles Zimmerman/Wold and #3 doubles Ross/Sydness dominated their opponents 8-0 and 8-2. In singles Principia handled Concordia Seminary winning all six singles matches.

All in all it was a great day because many of the Panthers established a level of play which they can maintain and develop through out the rest of the season. Next week, men's tennis competes against Westminster College and Washington University, both matches are away.

Results: Principia V. Missouri Baptist
Singles competition
1. Mike Robinelli (MBUMT) def. Weston Kalogeridis (PCMT) 6-3, 6-1
2. Todd Zimmerman (PCMT) def. Nick Jannett (MBUMT) 7-6, 6-2
3. Pershard Owens (MBUMT) def. Kevin Hagenlocher (PCMT) 5-7, 6-2, 6-4
4. Brian Wold (PCMT) def. Geoffrey Schafly (MBUMT) 6-4, 6-2
5. Scott Ross (PCMT) def. Desmond Perrigord (MBUMT) 2-6, 7-5, 6-4
6. Alex Clapp (PCMT) def. Nick Deaton (MBUMT) 2-6, 6-2, 6-1

Doubles competition
1. Mike Robinelli/Nick Jannett (MBUMT) def. Weston Kalogeridis/Kevin Hagenlocher (PCMT) 9-7
2. Todd Zimmerman/Brian Wold (PCMT) def. Pershard Owens/Geoffrey Schafly (MBUMT) 8-3
3. Desmond Perrigord/Nick Deaton (MBUMT) def. Scott Ross/Kenny Sydness (PCMT) 8-3

Results: Principia V. Concordia Seminary
Singles competition
1. Todd Zimmerman (PCMT) def. Caleb Adams (CSMT) 6-3, 6-1
2. Kevin Hagenlocher (PCMT) def. Justin Sponaugle (CSMT) 6-0, 6-1
3. Brian Wold (PCMT) def. Brett Hartwig (CSMT) 6-2, 6-1
4. Ben Black (PCMT) def. Josh LaFeve (CSMT) 6-4, 6-4
5. Scott Ross (PCMT) def. Mike Tanney (CSMT) 6-1, 6-1
6. Kenny Sydness (PCMT) def. Bernard Ross (CSMT) 6-0, 6-1

Doubles competition
1. Caleb Adams/Justin Sponaugle (CSMT) def. Weston Kalogeridis/Kevin Hagenlocher (PCMT) 8-3
2. Todd Zimmerman/Brian Wold (PCMT) def. Brett Hartwig/Josh LaFeve (CSMT) 8-0
3. Scott Ross/Kenny Sydness (PCMT) def. Mike Tanney/Bernard Ross (CSMT) 8-2