The Hillsdale College men's tennis team wrapped up just its second regular season conference title since leaving the MIAA in 1960 this past week, and junior Brian Hackman played a big part, going 4-0 in matches against Cedarville and Walsh.
For his performance, Hackman was named the G-MAC men's tennis Player of the Week for the second time this season, the conference office announced on Wednesday.
Hackman helped the Chargers get the doubles point against both the Yellow Jackets and the Cavaliers, partnering with freshman Daniel Gilbert for a 6-3 win over Cedarville's Philip Brumbaugh and Jake Durham at No. 3 doubles on Thursday. The pair earned a 6-4 win at No. 3 doubles on Saturday as well, beating Walsh's Pedro Campos and Joao Campos.
In singles play, Hackman was victorious in both his matches at No. 3 singles for the Chargers, taking a 6-2, 7-5 victory over Cedarville's Timmy O'Brien on Thursday, and beating Walsh's Clemens Wagner 6-4, 7-5 on Saturday. In the Saturday match, Hackman trailed for most of the second set and overcame an ankle injury to finish off the victory for what would prove to be the clinching point in not only a victory over the Cavaliers, but also to secure the G-MAC regular season title.
As one of only two players who played in Hillsdale's last G-MAC Tournament appearance in 2019 who are still in the lineup for the Chargers, Hackman has played an important role throughout the season in helping the Chargers capture the G-MAC regular season crown with a 13-2 overall record, and post their highest Midwest Regional ranking in program history. He previously earned G-MAC Player of the Week honors on Feb. 21, after helping lead the Chargers to non-conference wins over Wayne St. and Purdue Northwest with a 4-0 week as well.
For the season, Hackman is 9-3 overall in singles play and 5-2 at No. 3 singles, including a 3-0 record in G-MAC play. Along with Gilbert at No. 3 doubles, he's 8-6 on the season and the pair have posted a perfect 5-0 record against G-MAC foes.
Hackman and the Chargers look to cap a stellar season this weekend in Owensboro, Kentucky by capturing their second ever G-MAC tournament title, and securing their first ever NCAA Division II Midwest Regional berth. The Chargers open with a semifinal match against fourth-seeded Findlay on Friday at 1:30 p.m. CT, and with a victory would advance to the final match on Saturday at 2 p.m. CT.
Photo by Anthony Lupi