2002 Miracle Yearbook

71he hot sun beat down on a warm day in North Carolina as Cedarville University Tennis team rallied over Piedmont to a fourth place finish at the NCCAA National Tournament. Senior John Bailey and Junior Victor Puhy took singles wins for the Jackets, and the combinations of Bailey/Puhy and Gertjan Flikweert/ Aaron Franke posted doubles wins as well. Although the Jackets faced a tough schedule at the beginning ofthe year with stronger opponents including Division I and Division II teams,the tennis team cruised to 14-11 record. They posted a 5-1 American Mideast Conference record losing only to Walsh during the season. The Jackets tallied 9-0 shutouts over Saint Vincent, Tiffin, Roberts Wesleyan, Wilmington, Notre Dame,and Central State. Flikweert, a sophomore from the Netherlands,stepped up CUmens tennisll his play and moved from playing in the sixth spot last season to number two this year where he had a 13-10 record. Facing many ofthe opponents' top players, Dice played well from his number one position and Junior Aaron Franke accumulated a 14-4 record from the sixth position. Senior John Bailey, the number three player, finished his career with 49 total victories. The team will undoubtedly miss the leadership ofBailey and Springirth as they head into next season, but with eight returning players, the men's tennis team should improve. Dice emphasized the team's goal ofwinning the regional title and going to the NAIA tournament next year. With Cedarville's strong set ofreturnees, the team looks poised to dominate in the future. Flikweert commented,"We should be at the top ofour game next year." Victor Puhy takes a stride and hits the ball back to his opponent. Senior John Bailey focuses on the spot where he wants his serve to land. Sophomore Dave Dice gets his game face on as he shows his opponent who owns the court. John Bailey waits in anticipation for the coming back- hand. Athletics 61