Written by Abby Cox, Sports Editor
The Piedmont College men’s tennis team was picked to repeat as the USA South West Division champions, as the conference released the Preseason Coaches’ Poll, concluding the month of January.
Last season, the Lions finished with a 14-8 overall record under first-year head coach Dick Stockton, but were nearly unblemished in the USA South, going 11-1. Returning two of their top three in singles victories from a season ago, Chase Morris and Houston Medlock will help lead Piedmont to another successful season. Jarrett Gray is also back after earning All-USA South Honorable Mention honors as a freshman.
The Lions began their 2020 season on Friday, Feb. 14 against Hanover in Sewanee, Tennessee, with a 7-2 loss to the Panthers. Piedmont battled to take one doubles and one singles line each, as the Panthers took four of the six singles matches in straight sets.
The following day, Piedmont fought No. 22 Sewanee, falling short 8-1. The Lions dropped all three doubles lines, but were able to take a point with sophomore Jarrett Gray’s win at No. 2 singles before the Tigers clinched the match.
“We fought hard against Hanover and Sewanee, so we know what we’re capable of, said junior Chase Morris. “We’ve been working hard at practice, and in spite of the rain and poor weather, we’ve had good practices. We’re going to have a good season.”
Morris spoke about the depth of the team, and how he has adjusted to large numbers on the court.
“This is the biggest team I’ve been a part of in terms of the amount of people, so getting used to that was tough, but fun,” said Morris. “The team is definitely close, and even if it’s cliché, we’ve grown to be a family.”
Morris, along with fellow upperclassmen Roman Webb and Dalton Patterson, plans to lead the team successfully, achieving a regional ranking and defending their division title.
“I’m excited to be a leader on the team,” Morris said. “I served my time as a freshman and sophomore, but now I have experience and I’m excited to lead the team, along with Roman and Dalton, the other upperclassmen.”
