Men’s tennis looks to improve on slow start

The men’s tennis team is off to a slow start out of the gate this season with an overall record of 2-4. The Pilots claimed their two wins this season against Calument College of St. Joseph and MCC opponent University of Saint Francis. The team is 1-3 against conference opponents.

Pilot tennis has struggled with a few injuries, which have undoubtedly hindered the team from performing at their top level. “We have a couple of injuries that have plagued us,” said senior Derrike Kolb. “Alex [Tsikouris] with his shins, Caleb [Hadden] and his back, and me with my ankle,” Although the team has faced injuries Kolb and his teammates remain optimistic. “We are pushing through it, we have a couple of close matches as we go into the tournament we think we can pull out,” said Kolb. This year’s team features six seniors: Nathan Baker, Rosten Hamman, Derrike Kolb, Tim Long, Alex Tsikouris, and Stephan Ward. Hamman is looking forward to the team’s upcoming match Sept. 24 against rival Goshen College. “That is a match we would definitely love to win,” said Hamman. “We have had close matches for the last two years and they have gotten us 5-4 every time. Hamman also said one of the team’s goals this season is to make it to nationals. Rosten said in order to reach nationals the team would have to post a .500 record or greater, which he believes is attainable for the team this season. Men’s Tennis will resume play when they travel to Taylor University Sept. 21 at 3 p.m.