Men’s Tennis Wins Thrilling Season Opener

Published: April 13, 2021

GALESBURG, Ill. -- The GC men's tennis team opened their season on Saturday with a 5-4 victory over Simpson. This was the earliest match that the Panthers have played in head coach Brett Brannons tenure.

Doubles play opened up with the Panthers taking two of the three doubles matches. The No. 2 doubles team of Ryan Haas and Alex Dowley took control of their match early, and proved to be too much for their opponents, winning by a score of 8-4. Soon after, the No. 3 doubles team of Demetrius Bush and Code Power gave the Panthers the 2-1 edge in doubles by winning their match 8-1.

Simpson quickly reclaimed momentum by gaining victories at No. 1 and No. 2 singles. Greenville evened the match at 3-3 after Panther newcomer Justin McDonald gained his first college singles victory with a score of 6-0, 6-0. Simpson went back on top as they gained a victory at No. 3 singles.

However, Greenvilles depth would prove to be too much on this day. Sophomore Code Power gained the victory at No. 5 singles 6-1, 6-0. And the clinching victory would come from junior Demetrius Bush, as he played very consistently throughout, winning by a score of 6-0, 6-2.

It was great to open up our season with a hard fought, team victory," said Bush. "Im just glad I could be a part of it today. We have a renewed focus on team this season. We had contributions from everyone today.

The Panthers (1-0) continue play later today with a match against North Central.