With only three of the four Lakeland Conference schools fielding tennis teams this fall, Monday’s match between visiting Bridgman and Brandywine at Plym Park was for the regular season championship.

Both teams still have to play Buchanan, but with the Bucks having trouble fielding a full squad, Monday’s matchup was for all the marbles.

The Bobcats picked up four wins with two flights still on the court to secure at least a tie in the match.

And with Michael Robbins down a set at No. 1 singles and the No. 2 doubles team of Jordan Hunt and Alex Brooks also down a set, it looked like Brandywine was headed for a tie.

With Hunt and Brooks being defeated by Nick Knowlton and Matt Starkey 7-5, 6-7(5) and 11-9, it left it up to Robbins, who after falling to Zach Bauer 7-6(7) in the opening set, rallied to win the second set 6-2.

The third and final set also went to a tiebreaker with Robbins pulling out the individual victory 7-6(4) and lifting the team to at least a share of the conference title.

Brandywine still must win the conference tournament later this year to claim the outright championship.

“It was a big win for us,” Brandywine coach David Sidenbender said. “With such a young team, to come out and battle for the conference title was huge. We haven’t won it yet, but this gives us a big leg up.

“There were some really tight matches today and I am proud of all the kids and their effort, especially Michael Robbins at one singles. He really gutted out his match and ultimately his flight was the difference in the team score. I was also pleased with our three and four doubles as they seem to really be jelling well.”

 

Bridgman…3

Brandywine…5

Singles

1. Michael Robbins (BW) d. Zach Bauer 6-7(7), 6-2, 7-6(4); 2. Chance Smith (BW) d. Brandon Mensinger 6-0, 6-0; 3. Tanner Bourdon (BW) d. Evan Hauck 6-4, 6-3; 4. Vincent Milano (BR) d. Lucas Hoffman 7-6, 6-1

 

Doubles

1. Ed Shaver-Dominic Milano (BR) d. Kyle Duncan-Matt Vaughn 6-2, 6-2; 2. Nick Knowlton-Matt Starkey (BR) d. Jordan Hunt-Alex Brooks 7-5, 6-7(5), 11-9; 3. Aaron Wentz-Nate Hechtl (BW) d. Jeff Jones-Ryan Westling 6-0, 6-2; 4. Tyler Mott-Chad Brooks (BW) d. Chris Mensinger-Steven Walker 6-3, 6-2

 

Records

Bridgman 0-1 Lakeland; Brandywine 5-1-1, 1-0 Lakeland