GOSHEN, Ind. – Grace's men's tennis squad grabbed sole possession of first place in the Crossroads League on Saturday by clawing out a 5-4 win at Goshen.
The Lancers (6-1; 6-0 CL) have just two matches remaining in the regular season – both at home next week. Grace will host second-place Huntington on Tuesday and third-place Marian on Thursday. A win in either match guarantees at least a share of the league title for the second-straight season.
"This was a really hard-fought match for us against a tough Goshen team," said Grace head coach Larry Schuh. "Our doubles continued to help us pull through in a close match. We just have to take care of business at home next week."
Jose Marval and Michael Humphrey played critical roles in Grace's win. The duo combined for an 8-4 win at No. 2 doubles, and Marval at No. 2 and Humphrey at No. 5 won in straight sets during their singles' matches.
Ethan Grove and Jack Wang pulled out an 8-4 win at No. 3 doubles to give the Lancers an edge over the Maple Leafs (4-4; 3-4 CL) after doubles' play was completed.
Senior Aaron Blevins returned to action after battling injury to post a gritty 6-3, 7-6 win at No. 3 singles. Grace could have made the scoreline more comfortable, but the team dropped a pair of singles' points in three sets.
DOUBLES
1. Daniel Sanchez/Aaron Blevins lost 9-7
2. Michael Humphrey/Jose Marval won 8-4
3. Ethan Grove/Jack Wang won 8-4
SINGLES
1. Daniel Sanchez lost 6-2, 6-0
2. Jose Marval won 6-3, 6-4
3. Aaron Blevins won 6-3, 7-6
4. Jacob Stump lost 6-7, 6-1, 0-1
5. Michael Humphrey won 6-1, 6-3
6. Ricardo Bedon lost 4-6, 7-5, 0-1