The Grinnell College men’s tennis team started the season on a strong note Saturday, blanking St. Ambrose University 9-0 at the Charles Benson Bear ’39 Recreation and Athletic Center Field House.
The Pioneers began the day with doubles wins by the tandems of Elliott Czarnecki ’15-Michael Cole ’12 (8-4), Conor Cunningham ’15-Aaron Lapkin ’15 (8-1) and Ishan Bhadkamkar ’13-Benjamin Charney ’15 (8-4).
Grinnell continued to roll in singles with wins from Czarnecki (6-2, 6-2), Eric Ritter ’12 (6-0, 6-1), Charney (6-0, 6-2), Cunningham (6-1, 6-0), Daniel Nellis ’13 (6-0, 6-0) and Charlie Wilhelm ’15 (6-0, 6-1).
“We played well in our first match of the season, especially considering that there were five first-year players in our lineup,” said Grinnell coach Andy Hamilton. “I am very happy with the senior leadership Eric and Michael are displaying, and with a young team there are lessons to be taught. We also have a tremendous trio with a lot of experience in our juniors, Daniel, Ishan and Colin Johnson ’13. Getting them back this semester from their fall off-campus study programs has been a shot of life into our program.
“With such a steady performance by all the players, it is hard to single one guy out,” Hamilton continued. “But it is noteworthy that Elliott Czarnecki is playing at the top of the lineup in both singles and doubles as a first-year.”
Grinnell entertains Grand View and Graceland on Sunday, Feb. 12.
