To say the Grand Valley State University’s men’s tennis team faced tough, local opposition this weekend would probably be an understatement.

Senior Josh Kazdan, a four-year member of the team, said he noticed quite a difference at this year’s Grand Rapids City Tournament, held Friday and Saturday at Orchard Hills.

“The Grand Rapids teams around the city are certainly getting stronger,” Kazdan said.

Head coach John Black was impressed with his Laker side, which picked up three victories — two doubles wins and an outstanding singles performance in the third flight from senior Marc Roesslein. He agreed with Kazdan in conceding that there was tough opposition from all corners of the city out on the courts.

“Everybody picked up at least one or two wins in their tournament flight brackets, which is pretty good considering Aquinas is a top 15 team nationally and Calvin, Davenport and Hope all have solid teams this year,” Roesslein said.

Apart from Aquinas College, Davenport University, Hope College and Calvin College, GVSU also clashed with Grand Rapids Community College.

The Lakers doubles were definitely a point of pride for Black, highlighted by freshmAan Zac Felice and senior Dan Jarboe’s 9-8 No. 4 doubles win over Calvin College’s Vashon Wright and Stephen Healey.

“Our doubles teams are definitely playing better,” Black said. “None of our four pairings played together last year, so there is that adjustment to playing with a new partner. We’re definitely making progress and it’s a gradual process.”

Apart from wins from Andrew Darrell and Benny Delgado-Rochas in the No. 1 flight and Zac Felice and Dan Darboe in the No. 4 flight, each of the doubles teams reached the final match in their flights.

“We definitely struggled against Calvin and Aquinas, but overall this was a huge improvement,” Darboe said. “It’s nice to see us meshing this well so early in our season.”

The Lakers will be hoping to continue their good form Wednesday when they meet Northwood University at Ramblewood in their second regular season matchup.

jmaheredgin@lanthorn.com