The Wabash tennis team was back in action Saturday three days after an important road win against Rose-Hulman. The Little Giants cruised to a 9-0 win over Manchester in the morning session before defeating Lake Forest 6-3 to improve to 11-5 overall.
"We brought the level of our game up after playing a tough team,” sophomore Evan Bayless said. "Lake Forest is a tough team much like Rose-Hulman, and our level of play (against quality opponents) is crucial."
Bayless and Zach Lowry combined for an 8-0 win at number three doubles in the morning session against Manchester. Peter Gunderman and Ian Leonard were 8-3 victors at numbers one doubles, while Ricky Ritter and Lewis Towne scored an 8-0 shutout at number two doubles.
Wabash swept the Spartans in singles play. Lowry took a straight sets victory (6-2, 6-4) at number one singles. Gunderman was a 6-1, 6-1 winner in the second flight. Ritter won 6-3, 6-0 in the third flight. Leonard swept his fourth singles opponent 6-0, 6-0. Billy Evans won 6-0, 6-3 at number five singles, and Nick Smith picked up a perfect 6-0, 6-0 win at number six singles.
Ritter and Towne earned the only doubles victory for the Little Giants against Lake Forest, scoring an 8-5 win in the third flight. Lowry started Wabash toward its team victory with a three-set 7-5, 0-6, 6-3 win at number one singles. Gunderman added a 6-4, 0-6, 7-5 win at number two doubles. Dewey picked up a 7-6 (4), 6-4 victory in the fourth flight of singles play. Leonard and Towne closed out the win for Wabash. Leonard was a 7-5, 6-0 winner at number five singles, while Towne earned a 6-1, 6-5 win at number six singles.
Wabash returns to action this weekend when the Little Giants serve as hosts for the annual Kerry Seward Tennis Invitational at the Collett Tennis Center Saturday and Sunday.
Wabash 9, Manchester 0 (box score)
Wabash 6, Lake Forest 3 (box score)
