MOBILE, Ala. - The memorable 2023 campaign for Grace's men's tennis team came to a close on Tuesday.

The No. 18-ranked Lancers fell 4-2 to No. 15 St. Thomas in the opening match of the 2023 NAIA National Championships.

Grace's season ends with a sterling record of 22-6. The Lancers won the Crossroads League regular season championship and postseason tournament, earning their third trip to the NAIA tournament in team history.

Tuesday's match was delayed for several hours due to lightning and rain; the match eventually began after 8 p.m. and lasted until close to midnight.

Grace got off to a fast start by claiming the doubles' point. Javier Gallego and Pablo Gregori teamed up for a 6-2 win at No. 1 doubles.

Ramiro Candia and Nicolas Doria also won 6-2 at No. 2 doubles, giving the Lancers the early edge on the Bobcats.

STU evened the score with a win at No. 5 singles, but Gregori quickly put the Lancers back on top with a 6-1, 6-2 victory at No. 4.

However, the score was tied again as St. Thomas won at No. 3.

The Bobcats then closed out the match with a pair of narrow victories. STU won 6-4, 7-5 at No. 1 singles and won dramatically at No. 6 singles by the score of 3-6, 6-4, 7-6.

DOUBLES

1. Gallego/Gregori (GC) def. Rozas/Yanine (STU) 6-2
2. Candia/Doria (GC) def. Tajada/Safont Martinez (STU) 6-2
3. Paredes/Pons (GC) did not finish

SINGLES

1. Gallego (GC) lost to Safont Martinez (STU) 4-6, 5-7
2. Paredes (GC) did not finish Vidal (STU) 4-6, 6-4, 3-3 DNF
3. Candia (GC) lost to Tajada (STU) 3-6, 5-7
4. Gregori (GC) def. Federowicz (STU) 6-1, 6-2
5. A. Pons (GC) lost to Rozas (STU) 1-6, 2-6
6. Doria (GC) lost to Andersson (STU) 6-3, 4-6, 6-7