When it comes to men’s tennis in the GLIAC, few have looked more impressive than the Grand Valley State University men’s tennis squad.

GVSU’s men’s tennis team continued their dominance in GLIAC play as they took down Walsh University 7-2 on Thursday, and Malone University 8-1 on Friday.

“It’s a great feeling when everyone is playing well at the same time,” said sophomore Francis Bertand. “Our confidence is showing with every match we play.”

The Lakers are now 7-0 in GLIAC play and are 12-7 overall for the season thus far. A great start such as this has given the Lakers a confidence booster throughout all areas of the game.

“It all starts with our chemistry,” Bertrand said. “We know the harder part of our season is coming up and we are ready to take that on.”

No. 1 doubles partners Francis Bertrand and Bryan Hodges continued their winning ways as they downed their opponents 8-6 against Walsh to help the Lakers obtain an early lead. One in which they wouldn’t relinquish.

“We are relaxed and comfortable playing with each other,” Bertrand said. “It’s easy for us right now to say the least.”

Junior Ben Esh-Nauta and freshman Andrew Bole followed cue and won the No. 3 doubles competition for the Lakers as well.

“We are feeling great right now,” Bole said. “We all went out and played great this weekend. That’s something we look to do every match.”

During singles competition, the big three of Bertrand, Hodges, and junior Andrew Darrell went on to win each of their matches respectively, proving once again that the top of the roster for the Lakers is as strong as their GLIAC record proves.

“We are a very strong team,” Bertrand said. “It’s not just our guys at the number one through whatever spots, it’s every guy on the team. We are all playing to our potential right now, but that doesn’t mean we can’t improve.”

The GVSU women’s tennis team unfortunately did not have the same fortune this weekend as they dropped a close one to Indiana Pennsylvania University by a score of 5-4.

“It was a close match throughout,” said GVSU head coach John Black. “It’s one of those matches that can go either way. However, I think the girls all played with intensity and focus and that’s what you sometimes look for.”

GVSU’s women’s tennis team is now 22-5, holding on to their 42nd national ranking in the ITA national poll.

“It’s nice to be nationally ranked but you can’t really look to far into that,” Black said. “It’s hard to compare some of these teams because they often never play each other.”

Sophomore Kali Phillips and freshman Claire Cooper picked up a win in the No. 3 doubles competition, that being the only doubles competition won by GVSU that day. Phillips finished out her day by defeating Erica Schnaas 6-0, 6-3 to pick up a victory in the singles competition for the Lakers.

“Kalli played well and played with confidence,” Black said. She’s capable of having that type of performance any given day.”

The GVSU women’s tennis team will next face Drury University in St. Louis, Mo. On April 13th. After a matchup with Lake Erie College on Saturday, the men’s tennis team will continue their GLIAC run against Northwood University on April 6th.
[email protected]