Kathlyn Hotynski

Outdoor tennis in March isn’t always common, but for the UW-Eau Claire men’s tennis team, the 80-plus degree high temperature on Monday was a lot like the weather the team experienced in Hawaii over spring break.

The Blugolds had better success in Wisconsin, beating Northwestern College (Minn.) 9-0 at the tennis courts behind McPhee Center after dropping two meets on their trip to Hawaii.

“Personally, I prefer playing outdoors,” said sophomore Steve Lantz, who won his No. 2 singles match 6-1, 6-1 and his No. 3 doubles match 8-3 with junior C.J. Rose. “I think the team plays better outside.”

Coach Tom Gillman said the two teams Eau Claire played in Hawaii – Brigham Young University (Hawaii) and Hawaii Pacific were two of the best Div. II teams in the country and were tough competition. Eau Claire lost both those matches 9-0.

Gillman said he was glad to come back and play an easier opponent like Northwestern outdoors.

“I think that was what the doctor ordered,” he said. “We played outside every day on break, and to come back and be able to play one outside again right away . I think the guys really enjoyed it.”

Not only did all six singles players and all three doubles teams win their matches, they won them handily, with the closest being junior Brett Gressick’s 6-4, 6-4 victory at no. 5 singles. The win upped Gressick’s singles record to 18-4 on the season.

The win improves Eau Claire’s record to 9-7 overall and 9-7 in dual meets.

“We’ve played a tough schedule,” Gillman said. “But every now and then you need a win, just so you remember how to do it.”

Junior Tim Eisele led the Blugolds in the victory. Eisele won his No.1 singles match 6-0, 6-1 and his No.1 doubles match 8-2 with junior Brandon Buth.

Junior Erik Brandner won the No. 4 singles match 6-1, 7-6, putting him at 12-6 on the season.

Other winners for the Blugolds included seniors Aaron Nordenskjold and Jeff Peterson in singles, and freshman Phil Loprinzi, who teamed with Gressick to win the No. 2 doubles match.

The Blugolds won’t travel far for the rest of the season. Their next two meets are in St. Paul Saturday when they face Bethel University (Minn.) and Concordia University (Minn.) at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., respectively.

After that, the ‘Golds have only four more meets, all at home.

Lantz said the Blugolds have some tough opponents coming up, but he remains optimistic.

“I definitely feel we can run the table these last few weeks,” he said.

Gillman echoed Lantz’s comments.

“I don’t see any opponent we aren’t capable of beating if everyone shows up to play and plays well.