North Newton, Kan. - The Bethel College men's tennis team put together a strong weekend of competition, securing a win against Northwestern College on Friday before battling through a tough match against Midland on Saturday.
Friday vs. Northwestern College (W, 7-0)
The Threshers started the weekend with impressive doubles play against Northwestern. Billy and James set the tone at No. 2 doubles, delivering another solid performance to help the team establish early momentum. All three doubles pairings played at a high level, allowing Bethel to take the doubles point into singles play.
In singles competition, the Threshers continued their determined effort. Jorge Batista and Petr Kollar secured strong wins at the top of the lineup, showcasing their ability to handle pressure and execute when it mattered most. Billy Haoda and Rodrigo Sanchez remained steady, each earning key victories in their respective matches. James Menard was given an opportunity in the singles lineup at the No. 6 spot and capitalized, picking up a hard-fought win to help seal the team's success on the day.
Saturday vs. Midland (W, 4-1)
Facing a talented Midland squad, Bethel encountered a formidable challenge, particularly in doubles. Midland's No. 1 doubles team, ranked No. 11 in the nation, proved to be a tough opponent, helping their team take the doubles point. Despite the early setback, the Threshers responded with resilience heading into singles play.
The effort across the lineup was commendable, with Rodrigo Sanchez, Billy Haoda, and Jonah Bergeron securing wins at No. 4, No. 5, and No. 6 singles, respectively. The top of the lineup was met with fierce competition, as Jorge Batista, Petr Kollar, and Zaidh Zihar battled against Midland's top players. Each demonstrated toughness and a high level of play, with Zaidh stepping up in a pivotal moment to clinch the dual victory for Bethel with his singles win.