Northwestern’s newest variety sport began competition Friday, Feb. 1, in Minnesota. NW men’s tennis team lost against Bethel University 0-9. The team was able to muster eight games overall against Bethel, who has a long history of competitive play coming off their 9-0 win against Simpson College last weekend.
The standout game in singles was sophomore Christopher Jelken who managed to take three games away from Bethel’s number one. Several other Raiders, including sophomore Peyton Scott and freshman Caleb Ketelsen, were also able to claim a few games.
Doubles play also led to several game victories against Bethel. Jelken and sophomore Bradley Bourland took one game at the number one doubles position. Scott and junior Zane Weigand managed one game against Bethel’s number two doubles team.
NW men’s tennis rejoins the GPAC conference after 16 years of absence. The last varsity season was ’02-’03. The team is coached by theater professor Jonathan Sabo. Sabo has played tennis for more than 20 years and is a member of the Professional Tennis Registry. Before coming to NW, Sabo coached men’s tennis for eight years at Bethel College in Mishawaka, Ind.
“Our trip to Minnesota was a good experience for the young men on the team,” Sabo said.
The men’s tennis team will travel to Eden Prairie, Minn. to play two teams on Friday, Feb. 8. The Raider’s will face Bethany Lutheran in their season opener and Martin Luther College who is 0-1 in the pre-season. The men’s tennis team will begin conference play against Concordia University March 9 in Seward, Neb.
