Elsah, IL

The Principia Men's Tennis team played some excellent tennis today, defeating NAIA opponent Missouri Baptist 7-2 in a hard tough match. Despite the lopsided final outcome, most of the matches were very close, meaning the Principia men played at their highest level in the big moments.

At 1st doubles, Jason Wissman and Joey Sander started off shaky, falling behind a break early in the match. However, they were able to get back on serve at 4-4 and never looked back, winning 8-6. At 2nd doubles, Nate Waters and Kenny Sydness played an intense match against their hard hitting opponents. Serving at 8-7, they were unable to hold, sending the match to a tiebreaker. Waters and Sydness were able to keep their composure and create their own opportunities in the tiebreaker by being aggressive. They won 9-8 (4). At 3rd doubles, Daniel Drake and Aaron Switzer were never able to get on track in their match. Too many errors caused them to lose many of the big points. They lost 8-2.

After being up 2-1 after doubles, the Panthers only needed three singles wins to secure the victory. First off the court was Joey Sander at 2nd singles. Sander played steady attacking singles, finishing many points at net. He won quickly, 6-1, 6-0. Next to finish was Nate Waters at 3rd singles. His tough groundstrokes gave his opponent trouble, as he was unable to establish a rhythm. Waters won 6-1, 6-2.

At 1st singles, Jason Wissman was able to clinch the match for the Panthers with his three set victory. After routinely winning the first set, Wissman fell behind 4-0 in the second set before climbing back to force a tiebreaker. Unfortunately, Wissman lost the tiebreaker, sending the match to a third set. Wissman was able to take control of the match in the third set, dictating all the points and making his opponent uncomfortable. He won 6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-2.

At 4th singles, Andrew Rohrer played an excellent first set against a very good opponent. Rohrer played very steadily, winning many of the long rallies against his opponent. However, Rohrer's opponent raised his level of play allowing him to be in more control as the match went along. Rohrer lost 6-7 (4), 6-2, 6-0. At 5th singes, Daniel Drake controlled his match from the baseline, winning 6-3, 6-4. At 6th singles, Kenny Sydness was able to complete his comeback by winning his third set in a tiebreaker. He won 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (3). 

The Panthers will next be in action against Fontbonne University here at Principia on Thursday March, 27th. This is the first SLIAC match this season.

                            Principia College    MO BAP        Winner        Score

1st Doubles        Jason Wissman    Drew Morris        Prin            8-6

                           Joey Sander         Ian Furey

2nd Doubles        Nate Waters        Tanner Morris      Prin            9-8 (4)

                            Kenny Sydness    Sean Nanney

3rd Doubles        Aaron Switzer       Conner Stevenson    MO BAP   8-2

                            Daniel Drake        Kyle Stickler

1st Singles        Jason Wissman    Drew Morris        Prin          6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-2

2nd Singles        Joey Sander        Tanner Morris    Prin            6-1, 6-0

3rd Singles        Nate Waters        Ian Furey        Prin                6-1, 6-2

4th Singles        Andrew Rohrer    Conner Stevenson    MO BAP  6-7 (4), 6-2, 6-0

5th Singles        Daniel Drake        Cody Taplin        Prin            6-3, 6-4

6th Singles        Kenny Sydness    Sean Nanney    Prin            3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (3)