The Gardner-Webb men’s tennis team concluded their regular season on a high note, securing a decisive 4-0 victory over Limestone at the Emmie Evans Rector Tennis Center. Following their attainment of the first outright Big South Conference regular-season championship, the Runnin’ Bulldogs are currently on a seven-match winning streak, culminating in an impressive 19-3 overall record as they enter the Big South Conference Tennis Tournament.
During the doubles competition, Gardner-Webb took an early lead by securing the doubles point with wins in all three matches. The No.1 tandem, consisting of junior Numa Lemieux-Monette and freshman Jurie Terblanche, emerged victorious with a 6-3 win, while the senior John Spring and junior Alex Lepine pairing claimed a 7-5 victory at No.2 doubles. The No.3 doubles team of freshman Graham Bourne and redshirt freshman Johan Van Wijk completed the sweep with a 6-4 win, giving the team a 1-0 lead.
Moving on to the singles competition, Gardner-Webb continued to dominate, with several matches concluding unfinished and the Saints failing to challenge the Runnin’ Bulldogs for any late points. The team secured the victory with singles points on courts five, two, and three. Johan Van Wijk secured a 6-1, 6-3 victory on Court No.5, while Lemieux-Monette and junior Kim Niethammer clinched wins on Courts No.2 and No.3, respectively.
Head coach Mike Griffith expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing the significance of real matches in preparation for the upcoming conference tournament. The team, as the No.1 seed in the Big South Conference Men’s Tennis Tournament, will face Longwood, the No.4 seed, at the Marion Diehl Tennis Center in Charlotte, N.C. The tournament’s champion will earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Men’s Tennis Championship.
The Gardner-Webb men’s tennis team’s exceptional performance has solidified their status as a formidable force in the upcoming tournament, and their unwavering pursuit of victory continues to showcase their dedication and skill on the court. As they prepare to face their next opponents, the Runnin’ Bulldogs are undoubtedly poised for success and ready to leave their mark on the conference tournament.