Elsah, ILL. -- Over the weekend, the Men's tennis team had its first decisive win (8-1) of the spring season over Illinois College. Illinois' team matched up well with the Panther men at the top of the ranks. Their #1 player Miguel Vaca, played impeccable tennis showing few weaknesses in his game. In the dual between Vaca and Panther freshman Jules Kitchingman (again, playing #1 while senior
Joey Sander closes out of basketball season), Kitchingman appeared outplayed at every turn, but Jules is never to be assumed down for the count. In numerous exchanges, Kitchingman showed why he is worthy of the top rank right now, fending off Vaca's attempts to make it a short match. Although the loss to Vaca at 3-6, 2-6 seems decisive by score, it was far from a simple win for Miguel. Julesy, as he is affectionately become known by the Panther squad, is relentlessly good defensively, sending shots back in play that others would likely have minimal chance at returning. Often, there were looks of surprise in Illinois' camp from the extended points by Kitchingman, as well as the tenacity the Aussie displayed in his match up with the seasoned Vaca. Although Julesy was disappointed in the result, we were all proud of the effort and know that each match under his belt is a learning experience, as the next match later in the day with Millikin would prove.
Illinois' strengths were definitely at the top of their ranks as the remainder of duals fell into Principia's hands, with Kitchingman having the only match loss. The Panthers went on to win 8-1 overall in both doubles and singles matches, with an epic 8-7 tiebreak win in 1st doubles between panther's Kitchingman and
Aaron Switzer versus Miguel Vaca and Michael Connolly; a sweet result for Jules on the heels of his tough match loss with Vaca.
In the triangular match, each of three teams play a dual with each other throughout the day. So after the conclusion of the Illinois match, Illinois jumped right in to its dual with Millikin University. The Millikin men were a tougher test overall as they were much deeper with talent top to bottom. However, Illinois measured up to compete well with Millikin at its top ranks as both 1
st singles and 1
st doubles came away with wins, making the match a 2-7 loss overall, with the lower ranks not able to overcome Millikin's team depth.
As Illinois departed with their match responsibilities concluded, the Panther men returned to play Millikin, who were all still loose, warm, and high on adrenaline after the fresh win. As the match ups went out to their respective courts, first the doubles and then singles, the panthers came ready to play. Again at the helm, Kitchingman was matched with Millikin's #1 Emerick Fulton, a tall strong competitor just coming off a smoky exchange and difficult loss against IC's Vaca; so he was ripe for redemption, however, so was Julesy. Both of them were hungry after their losses to Vaca. Kitchingman displayed some of his best tennis yet besting Fulton 6-4, 6-2 in a straight set dual that was far from a simple victory. Fulton played tough and gritty tennis, at times leaving Kitchingman flustered. But perseverance, patience, poise and a distinct grit of his own, enabled Jules to outlast Millikin's goliath-like serve and offensive game. As recent Panther coach, Casey Reynolds, who was there for the match said, "that was a good win." Indeed it was. Fellow Aussie and teammate, Nat Kenworthy, also followed suit with a good win at #3 singles 6-3, 6-3 over solid player, Greg Schwoeppe. And
Brody Swan wielding the #2 racket for the Panthers also had another epic match, playing Millikin's Emile Tejada. Tejada demonstrated outstanding singles tactical play pushing Swan to the limits. But Brody showed why he can compete at this level, although a doubles specialist at heart. Swan, a freshman from Oklahoma is another one to watch as he evolves athletically for the Panthers. Tejada came out on top 6-4, 6-1. In all, Millikin won the day in the triangular with a second victory over the Panthers at 7 matches to 2, but would willingly agree that Principia was a strong competitor. Many thanks to all who came in support during a busy weekend of panther athletics across campus.
Come join us in support on Tuesday February 23rd at 5:00 pm for the Panther's next match with Lewis and Clark in Hexberg Tennis Center.
