WINONA LAKE, Ind. - The defending Crossroads League champion men's tennis team is poised to continue its success as they enter the 2023-24 campaign.

Grace enjoyed an undefeated run through the conference regular season last fall; the Lancers followed that up with a memorable run to claim the conference tournament title.

Grace will start the season in the No. 17 spot in the NAIA Top-25 Coaches' Poll after turning in a 22-6 record while advancing to the NAIA Tournament a year ago.

Coach Andy Lewis's squad features seven members from a year ago with three newcomers joining the ranks. This year's team is led by an experienced group of upperclassmen, consisting of three seniors and one junior.

Over the past three seasons, Grace has racked up an impressive 29 wins against conference opponents across the regular season and postseason tournaments. The Lancers have advanced to three straight conference tournament finals over that stretch.

"If we play well and stay healthy, we are going to be tough to beat," said Lewis. "Our leadership is very strong."

With the departure of veterans Ivan Antinori, David Sandi, Ramiro Candia and Nicolas Doria, the Lancers will look to captains Facundo Paredes and Javier Gallego to lead by example. Paredes (75-35 overall) and Gallego (40-7 overall) were both named NAIA Second Team All-American performers as well as All-League honorees a year ago. Graduate student Francisco Margaria (31-14 overall) and All-League performer Pablo Gregori (45-16 overall) bring considerable experience to the lineup.

"We expect to excel at doubles again this year," said Lewis. "We struggled early last season, but made great strides throughout the season, and it became a key strength. We look for that to continue this year."

A group of four sophomores will figure into the mix. Artur Pons saw action last spring going 5-5 overall. His twin brother Salva Pons, who transferred to Grace from NCAA Div. II Quincy University, will look to contribute this fall. Cesar Garcia and Landon Gibson bring depth and look to make an impact.

Two incoming freshmen will reload the Lancers' lineup. Luis Cordoba comes to Winona Lake from Badajoz, Spain, and Cole Mast joins from Topeka, Ind. (Westview).

The season kicks off with a trip to Spring Arbor on Saturday to begin Crossroads League action. The home opener for the Lancers will be a mid-week matchup against Goshen on Sept. 5 at the Don Cramer Tennis Courts. Grace will look to defend its conference crown when the league tournament gets underway on Oct. 3.