TEMPE, Arizona – Four different student-athletes from the Ouachita men's tennis team have been included in the final national rankings for the 2024 season.
In singles,
Phil Exner is the top Tiger at No. 11 nationally and No. 3 in the central region following a 23-8 junior campaign, which was highlighted by a 14-5 record during the spring at either No. 1 or No. 2.
Alex Blanchar is ranked No. 19 nationally and No. 2 regionally after posting a 21-7 singles record during his final collegiate season. He went 15-4 in the spring, mostly at the No. 1 line, en route to earning MIAA/GAC Player of the Year honors.
Fernando Docters finishes his collegiate career ranked No. 64 nationally and No. 16 regionally in singles following a 18-7 record this past season, including a 13-5 mark at the No. 3 line during the spring.
In doubles, Blanchar and Exner wrap up the year at No. 4 nationally and No. 2 in the region after posting a 25-8 record this past year, including a 15-5 mark in spring duals.
Ramon Strassmann and
Fernando Docters came in at No. 13 nationally and No. 5 in the region after going 14-9 this past season, mostly in the fall season with a 10-3 record and an ITA regional doubles championship.
As a team, the Tigers were ranked in the ITA top 50 all season long, finishing at No. 31 nationally and No. 4 in the region following a 13-8 season and the program's 21st appearance in the NCAA tournament.
The 2024 campaign marked the end of the 34-year tenure of head coach Craig Ward, who along with his wife Kim, the long-time manager of the Ward Tennis Center, retired at the end of the season.
