The Millikin Men’s tennis team is coming off what was one of their better years in recent memory.  The team was strong all season and even were sitting at third place in an extremely difficult CCIW conference before a slew of injuries and sickness plagued the team at the end of the season leading to a less than satisfying finish to the year.  This year, after a couple of senior departures, the team feels confident that they can compete on what is perceived to be an even more improved CCIW Conference for tennis. Even though outside expectations aren’t huge, this team has unfinished business, and they feel like they are primed to surprise a lot of teams this season.  

The team has a well-rounded roster with players who can compete at each of their respected positions.  Leading the way for singles is Senior Jacob Palley who also was the #1 singles for the team last year. Palley had a great year last year placing high in several tournaments throughout the season and earning CCIW All-Conference Team honors.  

The #2 singles spot is held by Freshman Clayton Maack who could prove to be a crucial part of this team’s success as he tries to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level, and he has the talent to do so.  

The #3 singles spot belongs to the rock-solid Senior, Logan Bennett who will also be teaming up with Jacob Palley to compete as the teams #1 Doubles as well.  #4 singles will be held down by returning sophomore Holden Owens, #5 singles is Junior Nick Laramee, and Freshman Adrian Sanchez-Rodriguez rounds out the singles at the #6 spot.  Maack and Owens will be competing at #2 Doubles while Sanchez-Rodriguez and another Freshman, James Broach, will be representing Millikin’s #3 Doubles team.  

The fall season for the Men will be wrapping up this weekend after the conclusion of the ITA Central Region Tournament.  The team of Palley and Bennett qualified to play in the #1 Singles bracket while Palley and Maack qualified for their respective singles positions as well.  

While the fall season may be wrapping up, spring season is when the real season begins for the Men’s Tennis team and they are primed to make a surprise run and compete for the CCIW Conference Title when winter gives way to warm weather again.