After a shortened spring schedule due to COVID-19, the Concordia Men’s Tennis team will begin their 2020 fall slate this Saturday as the Bulldogs host NCAA Division II foe William Jewell College with the first serve set for 1 p.m. at the Bulldog Tennis Courts.
Led by third-year head coach David DeSimone, the Bulldogs return a wealth of experience, including nine returnees from a team that finished 6-4 in last spring’s shortened season.
William Jewell blanked the Bulldogs 7-0 in the fall opener a year ago. The Cardinals return four letter winners from a team that went 6-9 last season.
At the singles position, the senior duo of Luke Zoller and Jeremiah Berryman will be the top returners for the Bulldogs as both fluctuated between the No. 1 and 2 spots last year. Both Berryman and Zoller garnered All-GPAC honors at the No. 2 singles and doubles positions in 2019.
Zoller is taking advantage of the NAIA’s decision to grant last spring’s seniors an extra year of eligibility. As a result, Zoller is working on his MBA while competing in his fifth year for the Bulldogs.
Other significant returners this fall include junior Jack Kitson, sophomore Eduardo Rojas and junior Isaac Howes. All three appeared in singles action at the No. 3 and 4 slots in 2019, combining for an overall record of 18-9. The trio all got action in the No. 1 and 2 doubles positions playing alongside Zoller and Berryman.
Freshman Luke Johnson is the lone newcomer for the Bulldogs. Johnson, a native of Kansas City, Kan. comes to Concordia after a successful prep career at Shawnee Mission North High School, where he played in the No. 1 spot all four years for the Indians.
Following match play against William Jewell, the Bulldogs will return to action on Friday, Sept. 19, as they travel to Lincoln, Neb., to compete in the GPAC Individual Tournament.