Lancers beat HU for league tourney title

Crossroads League Championships Central

WINONA LAKE, Ind. - The perfect season for Grace's men's tennis team continued on Saturday.

The Lancers blanked Huntington 4-0 in the championship match of the 2022 Crossroads League Tournament. Grace (13-0) remains undefeated on the season after Saturday's win at the Don Cramer Tennis Courts.

Grace claimed its first conference tournament crown in program history, making good on the program's fifth appearance in the tournament championship match.

As a result, the Lancers will earn the automatic bid to the 2023 NAIA National Championships in May in Mobile, Ala. It marks the third time that Grace has earned a berth as a team to NAIA Nationals (1988, 2021).

The doubles' point came down to a narrow margin. The Foresters won at No. 1 doubles, but Ramiro Candia and Nicolas Doria coasted 6-0 at No. 3.

The point was decided at No. 2 doubles with Javier Gallego and Pablo Gregori winning 6-4 to give the Lancers an early boost. It would not be the final time that Gallego converted a key point.

Doria continued his impressive day with another rout at No. 6 singles, winning 6-0, 6-3. Gregori also won a spirited match at No. 4 singles by the scoreline of 6-1, 6-3, putting Grace one point from the title.

Gallego delivered the winning moment at No. 2 singles. After beating his opponent (6-3, 6-3), the Lancers spilled onto the Gallego's court, starting a series of championship celebrations between the team.

Next week, Grace will send its squad to the ITA Regional Tournament, beginning Wednesday in Marion, Ind.