GOSHEN, Ind. - Grace's men's tennis team had two reasons to celebrate on Thursday afternoon. First, the team clinched a share of the Crossroads League regular season title with their 4-0 victory over Goshen. Second,
Pablo Gregori etched his name atop the all-time leaderboard for singles wins in program history (50).
The Lancers (7-0, 7-0 CL) have put an impressive run together over the last few seasons, claiming their third-straight regular season title and extending their regular season conference win streak to 23. They also locked up home court advantage for the duration of the conference tournament.
Grace seized the early momentum by getting the first point of the day, going 2-1 in doubles play to secure the point.
Artur Pons and
Luis Cordoba came out on top 6-2 in the No. 3 slot before
Pablo Gregori and
Salva Pons sealed the deal with their 6-1 showing on court one.
The teams played to clinch when the match transitioned to singles action. The first point came from Gregori with a quick 6-1, 6-1 straight set win. He claimed the top spot in the record book with the 50th singles win of his career.
Artur Pons followed up his countryman with a 6-4, 6-1 triumph from the No. 3 spot in the lineup to put the team one point away from a third consecutive title.
Benjamin Rahine sent the team into a celebration when he finished up his 6-3, 6-2 win.
The final three pairings were in progress at the time of clinch and did not finish. Cordoba was ahead in his pairing 6-3, 4-3.
The Lancers will go for the outright claim on the title in the regular season conference finale on Saturday against Spring Arbor. The home match is set to begin at 11 a.m. at the Don Cramer Tennis Courts.
DOUBLES - 312
Gregori/S Pons def. Guillen/Gallo, 6-1
Novak/Margetic def. Marques/Misura, 6-3
A Pons/Cordoba def. Rueda/Stanculov, 6-2
SINGLES - 135
Pablo Gregori def. Novak, 6-1, 6-1
Salva Pons vs. Gallo, 4-6, 5-3, DNF
Artur Pons def. Margetic, 6-4, 6-1
Luis Cordoba vs. Gomez, 6-3, 4-3, DNF
Benjamin Rahine def. Scattolon, 6-3, 6-2
Manuel Marques vs. Ferrera, 1-3, DNF
