October 5, 2024

Lancers Win Third-Straight Crossroads League Tournament Title

WINONA LAKE, Ind. - For the third straight year, Grace's men's tennis team reigns supreme. The Lancers have put together quite the run over the last three seasons, going 33-0 in Crossroads League play during the regular season and conference tournaments.

Grace made its fifth-straight tournament final and the second time in three years it has faced Huntington in the final match. History repeated itself on Saturday with the Lancers knocking off the Foresters 4-1 to claim the title and earn a berth in the NAIA tournament in May.

Grace (11-0, 8-0 CL) started the match on the right foot by snatching the doubles point to set the tone. Artur Pons and Luis Cordoba won the first match of the day, going 6-3 in their match. The doubles point was clinched when Pablo Gregori and Salva Pons came out on top 6-2. THe other match with Manuel Marques and Roko Misura did not finish.

In singles play, the home team needed just three points to hoist the trophy. Pablo Gregori came through at No. 1 singles to increase the lead to two. He won with relative ease 6-0, 6-3.

Huntington cut the deficit in half with a point from court three, but that was as close as they would get the rest of the way.

Grace picked up the last two points in straight sets, sending the team into jubilation. Benjamin Rahine trailed early in the first set, but was able to turn things around going 7-5, 6-1 in the No. 5 slot to put his team on the verge. Manuel Marques secured the final point and title with his 7-6(4), 6-2 showing on court six. Then the celebration began with the Lancers raising the trophy.

The Lancers will take a break from courts and continue their season in the spring as they prepare for the NAIA tournament. It will be Grace's fourth appearance in five years at the national tournament.