SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – Grace's men's tennis team took down defending Crossroads League champions Spring Arbor University 5-4 on the road in a crucial league match on Tuesday.

Michael Humphrey, Jack Wang and Aaron Blevins each claimed two points apiece to give the Lancers (2-0; 2-0 CL) a boost against their league rivals.

“This was a huge character win for the team. Michael Humphrey and Jack Wang were huge for us today, earning us three points by playing hard and smart,” said Grace head coach Larry Schuh. “We are looking forward to continuing the strong play that we've been showing to this point. This will give us a big boost of confidence going into our match with IWU.”

Grace started their match by taking two of the three doubles matches. Aaron Blevins and Daniel Sanchez held on for an 8-6 victory at No. 2 doubles, and Humphrey and Wang eased away to an 8-4 win at No. 3 doubles.

The Cougars (1-1; 1-1 CL) clawed back, however, to win the top three singles positions. But Aaron Blevins, Humphrey and Wang sealed the team victory with a trio of two-set wins. Blevins won 6-2, 7-5 at No. 4, Humphrey won 6-2, 6-4 at No. 5 and Wang finished with a 7-6, 6-1 win at No. 6.

The Lancers have a chance to move into sole possession of first place in the Crossroads League when they play co-leader Indiana Wesleyan on Saturday at Miller Field.

SINGLES COMPETITION

1. Daniel Sanchez lost 6-4, 6-3
2. Michael Blevins lost 6-1, 6-3
3. Nikola Todorovic lost 7-6, 6-2
4. Aaron Blevins won 6-2, 7-5
5. Michael Humphrey won 6-2, 6-4
6. Jack Wang won 7-6, 6-1

DOUBLES COMPETITION

1. Michael Blevins/Nikola Todorovic lost 8-5
2. Aaron Blevins/Daniel Sanchez won 8-6
3. Michael Humphrey/Jack Wang won 8-4