The Pratt men's and women's tennis teams are set to beging play in the NJCAA Region VI Championships this weekend April 21-22 in Great Bend, KS. Both teams were in action this past Sunday, April 16 as they faced Cowley College here in Pratt. Both teams were up against a huge challenge with Cowley being ranked #1 on the men's side and #2 on the women's. Both teams were swept by Cowley 9-0. 

The men's team finished second overall in regular season conference play having defeated Seward County and Barton in head to head matches. It is the highest finish for the program as last season they finished fourth in both conference and region VI standings. 

"The foundation was set by some of the older guys and they are continuing to build on it," said Head Tennis Coach Jeret Johnson. "When you bring in a handful of younger guys that add a little more fire power on to the squad it really does help."

NJCAA Region VI Men's Tennis Championships Matchups

1 Singles: Dante Despontin vs. Gustavo Campos (Barton) 

2 Singles: Gabriel Cuenca vs. Sebastiao Vilas (Barton)

3 Singles: David Arrieta vs. Fernando Andre (Barton)

4 Singles: Vitor Goncalves vs. Barnabas Kalaba (Barton)

5 Singles: Alex Ballinger vs. Tsholofelo Tsiang (Barton)

6 Singles: Valentino Iveli vs. Marno Du Plessis (Barton) 

1 Doubles: Dante Despontin/Gabriel Cuenca vs. Sebastio Vilas/Fernando Andre (Barton)

2 Doubles: David Arrieta/Valentino Iveli vs. Barnabas Kalaba/Tsholofelo Tsiang (Barton) 

3 Doubles: Alex Ballinger/Nathaniel Moore vs. Gustavo Campos/Marno Du Plessis (Barton) 

On the women's side the team finished fourth overall in regular season conference play. The team has struggled to have a consistent and full roster throughout the spring season due to injuries and roster changes. 

"When something isn't established or in its first year it can be really tough," said Coach Johnson. "We have had a handful of women who have stepped up and really have layed a pretty good foundation with a positive culture. Through all of the ups and downs I appreciate their hard work." 

NJCAA Region VI Women's Tennis Championships Matchups

1 Singles: Dominique Jansen Van Vuuren vs. Alexandra Melnikova (Cowley)

2 Singles: Emily Ryan vs. Arina Babenko (Cowley)

3 Singles: Nathalis Rodrigues vs. Isid Hernandez (Cowley)

4 Singles: Olivet Shove vs. Ntokozo Zungu (Cowley) 

1 Doubles: Dominique Jansen Van Vurren/Emily Ryan vs. Camille Belberka/Carol Mora (Cowley)

2 Doubles: Nathalia Rodrigues/Olivet Shove vs. Arina Babenko/Ntokozo Zungu (Cowley) 

The championships will start on both Friday and Saturday at 11:00 am and will be hosted at Veterans Memorial Park in Great Bend, KS. The official website for results is www.bartonsports.com/RegionVITennis