WILMINGTON, N.C. – Gardner-Webb men's tennis traveled to Wilmington over the weekend to play in the UNC Wilmington Fall Invite for the second year in a row. With high hopes for this season, the team is preparing for the spring. The Runnin' Bulldogs return two All-Conference selections from 2017 in Maximillian Scholl and Breno Plentz.
 
"This tournament featured several really good teams and players," said head coach Mike Griffith. The tournament featured Longwood, UNC Wilmington, Appalachian State, Coastal Carolina, Elon, Gardner-Webb and North Carolina Central.
 
In singles, No. 2 seed Maximillian Scholl defeated S. Webster of Appalachian State in two sets (6-2, 6-4) after defeating A. Torres of UNCW in the semifinals. Scholl dropped the first set 0-6, then rallyed to take the next two sets 6-2 and 6-4. Scholl defended his title from winning this tournament last year, as he won again this fall.
 
Paul Hogan also competed in the singles event, falling to A. Blasco of Longwood in two sets (6-1, 6-1).
 
Stefano Puga topped A. Brea of Appalachian State in the Class C Singles event in two sets (6-3, 6-2) but then fell in the quarterfinals to M. Morphy of UNCW 6-2, and 6-1.
 
In doubles, Michael Perry and Adam Schmidt advanced to win the finals of the losers bracket after beating Longwood competitors 6-2.
 
"We are a really good team and the key to success is to take care of details these coming months to be ready for the spring season and conference play," said coach Griffith.
 
After winning the Belmont Abbey Fall Invite last weekend, the Runnin' Bulldogs will next compete in the James Bonk Invite at Duke University this coming weekend, Sept. 15-17.