The Luverne boys’ tennis team conceded 7-0 to St. James at home May 2 and on the road against Redwood Valley 7-0 May 4.
Luverne’s active player numbers are down to only four varsity members.
“Frankly, the kids are getting tired of playing five against 10 each game,” head coach Nathan Rud said.
“Having to forfeit all three doubles matches makes it hard to compete in a meet.”
Luverne is scheduled to travel to Pipestone Tuesday, May 9, host the Big South Conference Crossover Friday, May 12, and host Benson and Lac Qui Parle Valley Saturday, May 13.
S. James 7, LHS 0
On their home court, the Luverne Cardinals gave up four singles matches and forfeited three doubles matches to St. James Tuesday, May 2.
In singles matches, LHS senior Ethan Nath fell to Andrei Rivera 6-2, 6-0, senior Ross Bergman was defeated by Brennan Kern 6-0, 6-2, freshman Caleb Kracht was topped by Zech Ciske 6-0, 6-0, and sophomore Kaleb Hemme came up short against Rylan Meyer 6-2, 6-0.
Luverne forfeited three doubles matches due to lack of athletes.
“St. James clearly had the better singles players, and it showed in the results,” Rud said.
He said the St. James coach commented that he was particularly impressed with Ross Bergman’s improving play as a new player in the area.
Redwood Valley 7, LHS 0
The Cardinals traveled to Redwood Valley Thursday, May 4, losing 7-0.
LHS lost its four singles matches and had to forfeit the three doubles matches.
The singles match results were Andrew Muetzel over Ethan Nath (Luv) 6-4, 6-2; Cole Johnson (RV) over Ross Bergman 6-0, 6-0; Kanyon Hicks over Caleb Kracht (Luv) 4-1, 0-0 retired; Zach Lundeen over Kaleb Hemme 6-0, 6-0.
Austin Sandbulte played in an exhibition match, losing 6-2, 6-1.
“Against Redwood Valley our No. 1 singles player, Ethan Nath, played a strong match against the section’s second-best singles player,” Rud said.
“Ethan lost both games but had multiple deuces, and it easily could have gone the other way.”
He said Kracht was playing well in his first match when he suffered an ankle sprain and had to retire.
“We are hopeful that it isn’t too serious and that he will be playing again soon,” Rud said.