Season Preview: 2022 Men’s Tennis
MILLIGAN UNIVERSITY, Tenn. (February 21, 2022) – The Milligan University men’s tennis team looks forward to full spring season against a competitive schedule in 2022.
MILLIGAN UNIVERSITY, Tenn. (February 21, 2022) – The Milligan University men's tennis team looks forward to full spring season against a competitive schedule in 2022.
Milligan begins conference play Feb. 23 against No. 9 Union.
2020-21 Season Review: Men's tennis logged a 4-10 record and a 1-5 Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) mark in an abbreviated 2020-21 season. Seven of Milligan's 14 contests were against nationally-ranked opponents, including six conference matches.
The Buffs picked up a 5-2 win over SCAD Atlanta in AAC play last spring.
In the AAC Tournament, Milligan bowed out to top-10 ranked Union 4-0 in the quarterfinals.
Milligan bid farewell to a five-man senior class, including Taylor Graalman, who now serves as an assistant coach.
"It was tough losing five seniors," said head coach Ryan Reynolds. "Their leadership and experienced was valuable. They raised their level of focus and work ethic. The younger players have continued to have the same level of hard work and focus this year. Those seniors made it possible for this season to be more successful. I'm really excited we added coach Graalman to the program. He is a great coach and recruiter. I'm thrilled to add him to the coaching staff."
Key Returners: Despite the graduation of a large senior class, Milligan returns several contributors for 2022.
Sophomore Nathan Smiley appeared in each of the top four singles flights and ranked second on the roster last season with four singles victories.
"Nathan made a big improvement last year," said Reynolds. "He came in as a freshman and continued to develop and adjust to the college level. As the season went into the spring, Nathan continued to get better each match. He had one of his best performances last year, at the conference tournament and has continued to compete at that level this year."
Junior Derian Janeke also appeared at four different singles spots but played five of his seven matches at No. 4 or No. 5 singles. He played nine matches at No. 1 doubles last spring and notched three wins, including two AAC triumphs.
"Derian played well for us last year," said Reynolds. "He played a lot of different positions and had several big doubles wins. He had a great win this Fall in singles against Mars Hill and is currently playing number 1 doubles with Nathan Smiley. Derian has always been a solid doubles player, he has raised his singles game to another level this year."
Junior Carter Rigsby spent significant time at No. 5 singles and No. 3 doubles in 2021. He teamed with five different doubles partners over all three doubles flights and earns four doubles wins last season.
"Carter has really improved from last year," said Reynolds. "He has added pace to his serve and forehand. He is playing at a high level and I'm looking forward to seeing his results this spring."
Juniors Daniel Roshak and Landon Brown both went 2-0 in singles and 3-0 in doubles action, all in non-conference action last year.
"Daniel and Landon have made a big improve this year," said Reynolds. "Daniel's groundstrokes are more consistent, and he is volleying really well. Landon has made a huge improvement on his backhand and is continuing to get better. They both have a great work ethic and are playing at a much higher level. They each went undefeated last year and will continue to contribute to the line-up."
Sophomore Ryan Thomas was 3-3 in singles play as a freshman and appeared in one AAC match.
"Ryan played six matches for us last year," said Reynolds. "He has really improved and is now in the starting line-up. Ryan has worked hard and is very focused this year. He has a lot of game! Ryan has the ability to beat anyone."
Newcomers: Two newcomers join the squad for 2022. Junior Justin Rigsby, twin brother of Carter Rigsby, and Brazilian freshman Marcos Moreno joined the team this academic year.
"Marcos and Justin are great additions to the team," said Reynolds. "Both players are staters and made an impact in the line-up. Justin is crafty and talented lefty. Marcos is a high-level freshman rotating between #1 and #2 singles. Both players are very solid and have an outstanding mental game."
Looking at the Schedule: In the fall season, Milligan posted a 3-1 record against regional competition.
After Milligan's opening spring weekend against UVA Wise (Feb. 19) and Pikeville (Feb. 20), the Buffs jump into AAC play. Milligan hosts No. 9 Union (Feb. 23) and No. 3 Tennessee Wesleyan (Feb. 25) to begin league play in February.
The Buffs are headed to Hilton Head Island for seven matches over spring break March 6-12 before resuming league play March 18-19 at No. 5 Reinhardt and No. 19 Point.
Milligan's regular season concludes against SCAD Atlanta (March 22), at No. 14 Montreat (April 1) and against Bluefield (April 2).
Last Word: "We had a great fall season going 3-1!" said Reynolds. "We already have a win over a team we lost to last year. The players are very talented. I think we will surprise a lot of teams this year."