MINNEAPOLIS, MN. - Western men's tennis closed out play at the ITA Midwest Regional on Friday evening (Oct. 20). The Leathernecks had two players in the main draw for singles and doubles play, as well as six players in the qualifying for singles play.

"This ITA Midwest Regional is not for the faint of heart. Seven of the 17 teams competing are nationally ranked." said head coach Chris Kane, "We had some strong play here in Minneapolis. Mitch Granger really stood out in the Qualifying Tournament for the Main Singles Draw. Mitch defeated the #5 player for the University of Minnesota in the first round, then followed it up with a convincing win over a strong player from Germany and Southern Illinois University who qualified for the Main Singles Draw. Mitch then lost a competitive match with one of nationally-ranked Drake's top players in the match to get into the Main Draw."  

"Also competing in the qualifying were Bradley Holt, Ben Yue, Tim Worley, Chris Bunch, and Brandon Meeker." continued Kane, "Brandon and Chris each went 1-1 against their very tough opposition, with Brandon having an excellent win over his Big Ten opponent from Nebraska, and Chris defeating conference rival South Dakota State."

On day-two, singles and doubles main draw play was held. Senior Patrick Hammers and freshman Christoph Haertel both competed in singles play. Hammers fell in a close on 2-6, 7-5, 6-2 to Brandon Florez of Southern Illinois University. Haertel fell 6-1, 6-1 to No. 3 ranked Cliff Marsland of Tulsa.

Mitch Granger and Haertel competed in the doubles main draw for the Purple & Gold. "Mitch and Chistoph were up 6-3 against Nebraska, but couldn't hold on and dropped an 8-6 very close decision to the team which in the next round defeated the #3 team in the Midwest Region." said Kane,  "They believe they can beat anyone, and honestly, that's half the battle. They proved today they could be a very strong team for us in the future."

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