Chicago, Ill -- After a hard week of practice, the Principia College Men's Tennis team returned to action for their first matches since returning from Spring Break in Los Angeles. The Panthers traveled up to Chicago to take on Illinois Tech and Lake Forest College. In the first macth against Illinois Tech, Principia came out firing by taking all three doubles matches. They continued that hot play by taking 5 out of 6 singles matches on their way to the 8-1 victory. In their second match, Principia played against Lake Forest College. This was a test for the Panthers, who lost to Lake Forest 1-8 last season. At 1st doubles,
Wyatt Dale and
Greg Sovie played excellently throughout their match on their way to a huge 8-3 victory. Despite trailing 1-2 after doubles, the Panther men were ready to play singles. At 2nd singles,
Jules Kitchingman played steady tennis throughout on his way to a 6-3, 6-1 victory. After losses at 1st and 4th singles, the Panthers fell behind 2-4. However, at 5th singles
Brody Swan came away with a hard fought 6-4, 6-2 victory to keep the Panthers in it. A loss at 6th singles clinched the match for Lake Forest, but it was a good showing for Principia in the 4-5 loss.
Inside the Box Score (Match 1): Â
Principia vs. Illinois Tech:
(Doubles match winners are in bold)
1st Doubles:Â
Wyatt Dale / Greg Sovie vs. Yousef Abdo / Adam Laitinen  8-6
2nd Doubles:
Jules Kitchingman / Nat Kenworthy vs. Andrew Woltman / Broderic Croonquist  8-3
3rd Doubles:
Brody Swan / Peter Griswold vs. Connor Mullane / Jack Pio 8-4
(Singles match winners are in bold)
       1.
Wyatt Dale vs. Yoused Abdo 7-5, 6-2
       2.
Jules Kitchingman vs. Adam Laitinen 6-3, 6-3
       3.
Greg Sovie vs. Broderic Croonquist 6-2, 6-4
       4.
Nat Kenworthy vs. Jack Pio 6-0, 6-1
       5.
Brody Swan vs. Andrew Woltman 6-3, 6-2
       6.
Dan Wagstaff vs.
Connor Mullane 6-1, 6-2
Principia vs. Lake Forest (Match 2):
(Doubles match winners are in bold)
1st Doubles:Â
Wyatt Dale / Greg Sovie vs. Nick Zazove / Matt Kacyn  8-3
2nd Doubles:
Jules Kitchingman /
Nat Kenworthy vs.
Brett O'Brien / Scott Drier  8-3
3rd Doubles:
Brody Swan /
Peter Griswold vs.
Brant Christensen / Louis Payne 8-4
(Singles match winners are in bold)
       1.
Wyatt Dale vs.
Nick Zazove 6-3, 6-3
       2.
Jules Kitchingman vs. Brett O'Brien 6-3, 6-1
       3.
Greg Sovie vs. Matt Kacyn 6-7 (7), 3-2, Ret.
       4.
Nat Kenworthy vs.
Scott Drier 6-4, 6-3
       5.
Brody Swan vs. John Bove 6-4, 6-2
       6.
Dan Wagstaff vs.
Louis Payne 6-1, 6-4
News and Notes:
The Panthers are gearing up for SLIAC Conference play, which starts this Saturday. They have an overall record of 7-6, and are looking to hit their stride as they enter the most crucial part of the season.
Up Next:
The Panthers are supposed to play at Millikin University on Tuesday, April 3rd, but weather looks to be imminent. Look for Principia to definitley be on the court this coming Saturday in their SLIAC Conference opener at Westminster College on April 7th.
