Heating up the courts

By: Ian VanAnden
Sports Editor

Thus far in the 2007 tennis season, there have been many ups and downs, twists and turns, not to mention cancellations. Despite all of this, the team has managed a winning record which now stands at 5-4.

Recently, the team has won three of their last four matches, including splitting a double-header with Quincy University Illinois-Springfield. The Scots opened the March 17 event with an 8-1 victory over Quincy.

The Scots won all three of the doubles competitions, and all but one of the singles events. Seniors Alex Carter and Greg Bouslog were most impressive. Carter won his singles event 6-2 and 6-1. Bouslog also won his singles match with a score of 6-3 and 6-0. The two then teamed up to win their doubles match 8-4.

In the second round against Quincy, the Scots were not as successful, losing 7-2. Bouslog and Carter were the only duo who won their doubles match. Carter was also the only Monmouth player to win his singles event.

On Thursday, March 15, the Scots made up their postponed match-up with Loras. The Scots handed visiting Loras College a 9-0 loss. They dominated at every level of the match against Loras, earning a clean sweep.

At the beginning of their three straight victories was the Scots’ 8-1 win over Wartburg College. The Scots lost only one singles event against Wartburg, and achieved victory in both doubles events.

The tennis team has a roster which is senior-laden. The Scots have four seniors atop their roster, including Jared Kunkle, Brian Jordan, Carter and Bouslog. Two talented juniors back up the quartet of seniors, and they are Matt Moser and Kevin Kammenjarin. The lone underclassman is Kyle Korbe.

Coach Chad Braun is in his fourth year as the team’s coach and is currently enjoying the fruits of his first year in office. The four seniors represent what Braun has built in the men’s tennis program.

Currently, the Scots stand in third place in the South Division. Conference play has yet to begin, with Monmouth’s first conference meet coming on April 7. The Scots are looking to unseat Grinnell College, who have won the Midwest Conference title the past three years.