KEARNEY, Neb. (February 10, 2025) – Lubbock Christian University's men's tennis team opened the spring portion of its 2024-25 season in dominant fashion, securing a pair of dual victories at Ernest Grundy Tennis Center. The Chaparrals posted a commanding 5-2 win over Nebraska Kearney Friday before following up with a 4-1 triumph over Augustana (S.D.) Saturday.
LCU 5, Nebraska Kearney 2
The Chaparrals (3-1) overcame a slow start in doubles play to deliver a strong singles performance against Nebraska Kearney (3-4). The Lopers swept the doubles competition, taking all three matches to claim the opening point. Despite the early deficit, LCU responded emphatically in singles, winning five of six contests to secure the victory.
No.34
Kelly Giese led the charge at No. 1 singles with a come-from-behind 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory over Jip Mens. No.32
Pablo Segura followed suit at No. 2, rallying for a 2-6, 7-5, 6-3 win against Ivan Melnik.
Mattia Ghedin was dominant at No. 3, posting a swift 6-2, 6-2 win over Adrian Constantin.
Andres De Los Rios delivered another straight-set win, edging Tom van den Dungen 7-6(10), 6-1 at No. 4.
Blas Ruiz Romero capped off the victory with a thrilling 4-6, 6-1, 7-6(7) win at No. 6.
LCU 4, Augustana (S.D.) 1
LCU (4-1) continued its strong play the next morning, overpowering Augustana (2-1) with a dominant singles performance. The Chaparrals dropped the doubles point after falling at the No. 1 and No. 2 positions, while the No. 3 match went unfinished. However, LCU again flipped the momentum in singles, winning four consecutive matches to seal the team win.
Giese delivered another standout performance at No. 1, rallying past Henry Dornbusch 4-6, 7-6(10), 6-4. Segura remained unbeaten in singles play with a commanding 6-0, 6-2 win over Jose Velasco at No. 2. Ghedin followed with a 6-4, 6-3 win at No. 3 over Thomas Kano, and De Los Rios secured the victory with a 6-0, 6-2 rout of Conrad Koch at No. 4. The No. 5 and No. 6 matches were left unfinished.
Segura improved to 5-0 in duals matches (singles) and leads LCU with 13 wins (13-3). Giese overcame a slow start to defeat Jip Mens 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 and followed to defeat regionally ranked Henry Dornbusch 4-6, 7-6(10), 6-4 to go 2-0 on the week, which were his first singles wins in dual play this season (2-3). He is 7-5 overall in singles play.
The Chaparrals will look to build on their early-season success as they are scheduled to face Rockhurst and Northwestern Missouri State this weekend in Edmond, Okla.
