The ACU men’s tennis team had two doubleheaders this past Friday and Saturday, as they went 2-2.
The fall season focused on the individual while this spring season is a team effort. Winning a match gives the team one point and there are a total of seven points to be won. The coaches were pleased with the way their players competed, especially against the Air Force Academy.
“Borja Cortes is stepping up, taking over the one spot from Hans who was the previous number one for three years,” said Juan Nunez, assistant coach. “There is always the question of weather or not the new players are ready to step up. Borja has shown he is ready for the responsibility.”
The tournament took its toll on the men’s tennis team when number two player Nicklas Wingord went down with an injury.
“It is an opportunity for our number seven player to step up and get some experience. You can get a positive out of any situation,” said Nunez.
The men lost to Air Force 6-1, then beat Metropolitan State University of Denver 6-1. The squad followed that up with a 3-4 loss to Grand Canyon University and finished off the tournament with a 4-3 win against University of Northern Colorado.
Cortes, the replacement for three-time All-American Hans Hach, won all of his singles matches, staying perfect this season at 4-0. Also adding to their total singles wins were Nico Agritelley and Jason Proctor who both went 3-1 over the weekend.
“I played very well. Satisfied is the wrong word. I am never satisfied,” Proctor said. “I felt good hitting the ball, but there are always things I could have done better. Still, this weekend was a large improvement from my fall performance.”
Sophomore Proctor strives for perfection because he knows that in the spring season, he and his teammates will play for something greater than themselves, they will compete for each other and the overall performance for ACU.
“The spring provides incentive to play,” Proctor said. “You are playing for your school and team. Fall matches feel lonely as you can only benefit from your own results. Also, spring matches bring in crowds and playing in front of a crowd is every kid’s dream.”
ACU’s men’s team returns to action on Saturday and Sunday for an indoor invitational at the Teague Events Center.
