The men’s tennis team made its first appearance at the NAIA regional tournament this weekend, finishing third out of four teams. With only two seniors graduating, the squad expects even better things next year.

Senior Andy Robinson capped his season by winning both his matches at the regional in Fremont, Neb.

Coach John McKee is looking at recruits he hopes can fill Robinson’s shoes.

“That will be a big loss, because he was undefeated in the region this year,” McKee said.

The team also will lose Brian Kerschen to graduation.

At the regional, the Falcons’ top player, Dennis Matzen, lost in a third set tiebreaker to the University of Sioux Falls. His opponent in that match was later defeated by a Bethany College player whom Matzen had beaten earlier in the season. For that reason, Matzen can still be considered the best player in the region – something he should be able to prove “unambiguously” next year, McKee said.

Matzen, a junior who was named the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference’s most valuable player, said he intends to return to the regional tournament next year and improve his performance. His loss in Fremont was his first in the region this season.

He and his teammates will get together throughout the summer to play.

He expects a challenge for his top spot from Ryan Reed, who will return as a sophomore.

“He wants it. He’ll work hard during the summer,” Matzen said. “I like it though – someone to push me.”

The squad qualified for the regional tournament by placing in the top two in the conference. Bethany, traditionally the conference’s tennis powerhouse, finished first. But the Swedes will lose a couple of good players, and the Friends team hopes to take the KCAC title away from them next year, Matzen said.