DUBUQUE, Iowa -- The men's tennis team played their first official match and defeated Loras 7-2.  Expectations are high this year for the Panthers, as they welcome three new players into their varsity lineup. 

The team was not real sharp in their doubles matches, which was to be expected with two completely new doubles teams.  But they stuck together and managed to still gain two of the three matches to make the match score 2-1 headed into singles.

The #1 doubles team of Nate Wieland and Justin Tilford continued their winning ways with an 8-6 victory.  The new tandom of Daniel Pieplow and Austin Burkhart finished strong at #3 doubles, by winning the final three games convincingly to also gain an 8-6 victory.

The Panthers came out strong in singles, winning the first set in five of the six matches.

Freshman Gabe Munoz posted the first win by winning 6-4, 6-1 at #2 singles.

Junior Zach Plocher put the exclamation mark on the team match with a strong performance in his GU debut.   He played consistent throughout, and gained a 6-3, 7-6 victory at #4 singles.

Players gaining their first collegiate victories for GU were Gabriel Munoz, Zach Plocher, Daniel Pieplow, and Cecil Burkhart.

The Panthers will host a mixed doubles event at Homecoming in October before their spring season begins in February.