Panthers Advance in Tennis Playoffs

Chapman College defeated Stephen F. Austin, 5-1, Monday in the first round of the NCAA Division 2 men’s tennis championships at Cal State Northridge.

The Panthers, seeded No. 2, will play No. 3 Rollins College of Winter Park Florida today in a semifinal match at 8:30 a.m. Rollins defeated Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, 5-4, in its first round match.

Chapman’s No. 1 player, Troy Turnbull, defeated Tom Goles, 6-3, 6-4. When the these teams met in last year’s opening round, Turnbull, then playing No. 2, won a close match over Goles, 7-5, 7-6. Chapman won the match, 5-1.

“I expected a lot closer match between those two, especially after the match they had last year,” Chapman Coach Mike Edles said. “I think the year of experience has really helped Troy. I think our top three players are all peaking right now.”

Terry Davis, playing No. 2 for Chapman, defeated Neil Smith 6-4, 6-4. The Panther’s No. 3, John Soldat beat Mauricio Achondo, 6-0, 6-1.

Stephen F. Austin’s only win came in No. 5 singles. Chris Langford defeated the Panther’s John Hancock 6-1, 6-1.

Top-seeded Cal Poly San Luis Obispo will play defeated Ferris State of Michigan, 6-0 to advance. The Mustangs will play Hampton College of Virginia. Hampton defeated Hayward State, 5-4.