Bluejay men’s tennis team returns top of lineup

The Tabor College men’s tennis team is comprised of these athletes: front row (from left) Jaime Sanchez, Jeff Pritchard, Francisco Gallinal, Anton Sopin; (back row) head coach John Ruder, Illia Filanchuk, Stephen Wilson, Angel Miguel, graduate assistant coach Pasha Zinchenko.With the exception of returning the top of its lineup, the Tabor College men’s tennis team will feature new faces this season.

Headlining Tabor’s returners is junior Illia Filanchuk at No. 1 singles.

“(Illia’s) very technically sound, and he understands the game of tennis,” coach John Ruder said. “He is becoming a much better player because he’s becoming more mentally strong. He’s starting to really mature and doesn’t let anything rattle him anymore.”

In his season-opener versus Newman, Filanchuk lost Set 1, 6-4, won Set 2, 7-5, then lost the tiebreaker, 14-12, after trailing 9-4 early.

“He held that one point off until it was 14-12,” Ruder said. “That’s just mental toughness. He’s really becoming mentally strong, so he’s going to be much better.”

Filanchuk advanced to the finals at the ITA regional last September and was one match from going to nationals. He ranks second in the central region, 16th overall.

Sophomore Angel Miguel returns at No. 2 singles.

“(Angel’s) got a great serve and a great forehand and he’s learning how to use them better,” Ruder said. “Tactically, and mentally, he’s becoming stronger for us. I really think Angel’s going to take a big step up this spring.”

Filanchuk will play No. 1 doubles with freshman Anton Sopin from Engels, Russia, who will play No. 3 singles.

“(Anton’s) got a lot of talent, he just has to develop it a little bit,” Ruder said. “But I think he’ll do well there for us this year. We’ve moved him up to No. 1 doubles, and I think with Illia helping him, they’ll become a strong team up there.”

Meanwhile, Miguel will play No. 2 doubles with newcomer, Francisco Gallinal, a senior who played soccer at Tabor in the fall and who will play No. 6 singles.

“(Francisco’s) going to be a good player for us, but he’s a little rusty because he hasn’t played for awhile,” Ruder said. “He’s done with soccer, so he’s helping us out this year.”

Freshman Jaime Sanchez from Alcobendas, Spain, will play No. 4 singles, while senior Jeff Pritchard will fill the No. 5 role. The duo will comprise the No. 3 doubles team.

Returner Stephen Wilson, a junior, is out for the season with a knee injury.

Ruder said he expects the men’s team to challenge for third or fourth in the conference, with a goal being to qualify for the tournament. The team was picked fourth in the preseason coaches’ poll.

“The young guys are going to have to step up,” Ruder said. “Jeff is working really hard, and I think he’s going to step up this year. (Francisco) has got good game. We’re knocking his rust off. I think that if we keep away from any more injury, we’ll do well in conference.”

Ruder expects McPherson and Bethany to field strong teams, but said the top of his lineup can compete with anyone.

“Our goal right now is to get into the tournament,” he said. “Be in the top four and then see where we can go from there.”

Coming—Tabor (1-4) earned its first win versus Central Christian last week and will look to continue the trend at Barton Community Thursday at 11 a.m.

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