WINONA LAKE, Ind. – Grace's men's tennis team stayed perfect on the year with a convincing 8-1 victory against Huntington on Thursday.
The Lancers (3-0, 3-0 Crossroads League) used a dominant doubles' lineup to power past the Foresters (1-4, 1-1 CL) at Miller Athletic Complex.
"This was a very solid win against a tough lineup in Huntington. All three of our doubles' teams played outstanding technical doubles, and I could not have been happier," said Grace head coach Larry Schuh. "Caleb Yoder and Adam Yoder paired together for the first time for a win, and Danila was about as efficient as I have seen him. He is looking like one of the top players in conference."
Danila Kurkulin and Ethan Grove teamed up for a quick 8-1 win at No. 1 doubles. Gabe Vervynckt and Uros Pajic pulled out a tough 8-6 victory at No. 2 doubles, and Caleb Yoder and Adam Yoder combined for an 8-5 win at No. 3 doubles – the first time the freshman duo had tag-teamed in doubles' play.
Kurkulin coasted to another win at No. 1 singles with a 6-2, 6-0 scoreline, and Ethan Grove came from behind in the second set to win in straight sets at No. 3 singles.
Ricardo Bedon, Vervycnkt and Adam Yoder closed out the match with two-set victories at No. 4-6 singles. Yoder was especially impressive with a 6-1, 6-0 victory at No. 6 singles.
The Lancers will play their third home match of the week on Saturday with a matchup against Spring Arbor at 1 p.m.
DOUBLES
1. Danila Kurkulin/Ethan Grove won 8-1
2. Uros Pajic/Gabe Vervynckt won 8-6
3. Adam Yoder/Caleb Yoder won 8-5
SINGLES
1. Danila Kurkulin won 6-2, 6-0
2. Uros Pajic lost 4-6, 6-3, 0-1
3. Ethan Grove won 6-2, 7-5
4. Ricardo Bedon won 6-2, 6-3
5. Gabe Vervynckt won 6-2, 6-4
6. Adam Yoder won 6-1, 6-0