HOUGHTON, Mich. – The Panthers earned their first-ever sweep of a GLIAC team in a match, defeating Michigan Tech 9-0. Davenport finished the weekend 2-0 and plenty of momentum on their side for a tough upcoming week. Michael Digby and Max Hartman stepped into unfamiliar roles in the match and were up for the challenge. Digby moved up to play in the fifth singles spot and Hartman competed in the sixth singles slot, all due to Remy Johansen sitting out of singles. The two won their singles matches to help DU get the sweep.
 
Sunday, April 8 at 10:00 a.m.
Final score: Davenport-9 | Michigan Tech University-0
Location: Houghton, Mich.
Records: DU (11-5, 5-1) | MTU (0-10, 0-6)


 
Doubles Competition
Davenport dominated in doubles, never losing more than four games in each of the three matches. Marc Lerch and Juan-Louis van Antwerpen won 8-3 in first doubles, while Johansen and Hartman won 8-4 in third doubles. The duo of Jonathan Bulmer and Matthew McClurg held the largest margin of victory, winning 8-2 in the second doubles slot.
 
Singles Competition
The Panthers swept the singles matches as well, despite the lineup shift. Lerch, van Antwerpen, McClurg, and Bulmer all competed in their normal singles slot. Digby and Hartman adjusted due to Johansen sitting out in singles. This was only the third time Digby competed in fifth singles this season and Hartman's fourth in sixth singles. Lerch won in three sets in first singles and van Antwerpen won 6-1 and 6-4 in second singles. McClurg had an identical score to van Antwerpen in third singles, winning 6-1 and 6-4. In fourth singles Bulmer breezed past his opponent 6-0 and 6-2. Digby won 6-0 and 6-4 in fifth singles, while Hartman took three sets to finish off his foe in sixth singles.
 
Coaches Corner
"It's always difficult to play on the road, so we were happy to leave the UP achieving the goal we set heading in", stated Head Coach Patrick Grashorn. "I was proud of the way our guys adjusted to the playing conditions at LSSU. It's a unique playing surface that definitely favors the home team. We got in a practice session Friday night, which made the difference. Although their record doesn't reflect it, Michigan Tech is a talented team and we certainly had to perform at a high level to win like we did. With Remy a scratch for singles with back soreness, it was next man up for Max, who played really well in his win in six singles.
 
We have two very difficult conference matches left, but I'm happy to be sitting where we are. We now control our own destiny and have the opportunity to play for a top seed in the conference tournament".
 
Up Next
Davenport hosts Ferris State this Wednesday, who is undefeated in GLIAC play so far this season. The Panthers then travel to NAIA powerhouse Indiana Wesleyan on Friday, and University of Northwestern Ohio on Saturday for two tough non-conference matches.
 
Story by: Devin Steiner
 
Picture credit: Travis Pierce