Low numbers mean no team score for Bulldogs, Grundy Center

HAMPTON – Since Grundy Center had only two members on hand and the Bulldogs four, no team scores were kept in this non-conference boys’ tennis competition at Progress Park on Tuesday, April 6.

Senior Jonah Bollhagen rolled through his No. 1 singles match, 10-1, over Jeff Harris for his first career varsity victory and No. 2 singles player Logan Miller, a junior, played to a 6-6 tie against Julian Lamp.

“H-D/CAL only has four players out for boys’ tennis this year,” coach Jim Davies said. “Grundy Center also only has four players out, but only two were able to attend. Today was an opportunity to gain experience while competing for the first time. This was the first meet held in two years as the COVID pandemic shut down the 2020 season.

“Jonah is the only H-D/CAL player with any tennis experience, having played primarily junior varsity his freshman and sophomore years but with two varsity matches in 2019 at No. 6 singles. Jonah played a very steady game with consistent forehand groundstrokes and accurate serving.”

Harris went on to play a couple of exhibition matches against Jordan Cady and Jose Hernandez, Davies’ Nos. 3 and 4 players.

Both Cady and Hernandez lost to Harris and Lamp, 6-2.

“Logan, Jordan and Jose are brand new to tennis, playing their first meet ever,” Davies said. “Logan was very even with his opponent but the match was halted at a tie for the other matches to be played, thus freeing him up to go to play practice. Jordan and Jose were able to play both singles and doubles.”

Considering the level of experience so few of his players have had very limited practice time heading into this first competition, Davies said he was happy to see how his team members played.

“I was very impressed with how well everyone played given we have only had three weeks of practice,” Davies said. “The newbies gained match experience while competing for the first time. Logan’s rallies are longer and ground strokes are getting better.

“Jose’s serving and Jordan’s net play were their strong points today. Jonah showed his experience and leadership. There is always a certain amount of nervousness, but everyone said it was fun and they really enjoyed it.”

Davies said it isn’t too late to come out for the team if anyone wants to help fill out the squad and get some experience playing the game. If interested, the team practices at the Progress Park tennis courts or Franklin Wellness Center, depending on the weather. Contact Davies at 641-425-4707 of interested.