PLANO, TEX. – Northwest Mississippi Community College opened play on Monday at the NJCAA Division II Men's Tennis Championship with a strong showing from sophomore Luca Morris in the Flight 2 Singles bracket.  Morris, one of the leaders of Head Coach Ryan Mounce's veteran club, got off to a slow start on the chilly morning, but quickly gained confidence on court 3 and never looked back, defeating Lucius Davis of Rowan College-South Jersey 6-2, 6-0.

"I had a bit of nerves to begin with," said Morris.  "I knew the more I was out on court, the more I would improve and find my level."

Morris jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the first set, but Davis evened it up at 1-all.  Morris then regained a 2-1 advantage before Davis battled back to tie the set at 2-2.  From that point forward, it was all Morris.  After a conversation with Mounce, the veteran never lost another game on his way to the convincing victory. 

Morris was honest about his opening match.  "I had a bit of the wrong strategy to begin with.  I was trying to do too much.  Once I simplified my strategy, it all worked out."

When asked about the conversation, Mounce said "With Luca, I told him, 'This is the national tournament, we want to go out and compete to the best of our ability.  You just gotta' relax.'"

The sophomore then rattled off four straight games to capture the first set 6-2.  His growing confidence was more evident, as was the frustration of his opponent, with each point.

"He started off quite strong and consistent," the sophomore stated.  "After I gained a few points, my confidence grew and he became a bit frustrated, which I capitalized on."

Morris continued to apply relentless pressure in the second set, on his way to the 6-0 result. 

He will continue his bid for the Flight 2 Singles title on Tuesday, May 12, when he faces off against David Gimenez.  Gimenez, of Coastal Alabama Community College-South, is the top-seeded player in Flight 2. The two faced off in March, with Gimenez taking the victory. 

When asked what he needed to come out on top in his next match, Morris stated "I need to stay consistent and focused throughout the full match.  The last time I faced him, I was up-and-down.  I've just got to start strong and stay strong through the full match."

The Rangers continue their quest for a championship tomorrow with main draw singles play beginning at 11 A.M.  Main draw doubles play begins at approximately 5:15 P.M.

Mounce did not mince words about the importance of Tuesday's matches.  "Tomorrow is moving day in the tournament.  We have 27 points to play for tomorrow.  If we're going to make a push to win this tournament, it starts tomorrow."

Follow the team's quest for a title on Northwest social media accounts or on nwccrangers.com.

Main Draw Singles (May 11)
2. Luca Morris (NWCC) def. Lucius Davis (Rowan College) 6-2, 6-0