WINONA LAKE, Ind. – Grace's men's tennis team fought off a tenacious Taylor team on Tuesday 8-1 to advance in the Crossroads League Tournament.

The Lancers (7-2) found themselves in a battle at nearly every position but lost just one point at No. 3 doubles. Grace advances to the CL semifinals where the Lancers will play at Indiana Wesleyan on the road on Thursday.

"This was a good win against a gritty, hard-fighting Taylor team. They were definitely ready to fight, but fortunately we were ready for them," said Grace head coach Larry Schuh. "Jose and Jacob both pulled out super tiebreaks, and one doubles fought off a match point to come back and win. We can use this momentum in the second round against IWU."

Doubles' play was a spirited affair between the squads as Taylor had a lead in each match at the midway point. Ethan Grove and Jose Marval at No. 2 doubles won first 8-5 to spark Grace's team, and Daniel Sanchez and Jacob Stump followed suit with a come-from-behind 9-7 win at No. 1 doubles.

Sanchez made short work of his opponent at No. 1 singles, 6-1, 6-1. Grove won 6-4, 6-4 at No. 4 singles, Ricardo Bedon won 6-1, 6-3 at No. 6, and Gabe Vervynckt held on for a 6-1, 7-5 victory at No. 5.

Marval at No. 2 singles and Stump at No. 3 had to battle in three sets at their respective positions before winning in super tiebreakers, rounding out Grace's 8-1 victory.

DOUBLES

1. Daniel Sanchez/Jacob Stump won 9-7
2. Ethan Grove/Jose Marval won 8-5
3. Gabe Vervynckt/David Driscoll lost 8-9

SINGLES

1. Sanchez won 6-1, 6-1
2. Marval won 6-7, 6-1, 1-0
3. Stump won 6-1, 6-7, 1-0
4. Grove won 6-4, 6-4
5. Vervynckt won 6-1, 7-5
6. Ricardo Bedon won 6-1, 6-3