Grace Repeats as League Tourney Champions
October 9, 2023

Grace Repeats as League Tourney Champions

Crossroads League Championships Central

WINONA LAKE, Ind. - For the second consecutive year, Grace claimed the Crossroads League Tournament title on its home courts.

The Lancers downed Marian 4-1 in a hard-fought match at the Don Cramer Tennis Courts, claiming the 2023 league tournament title.

Grace has now swept the regular season and postseason tournament championships for two straight years.

The win also clinches Grace's bid to the 2024 NAIA National Championships, which begin on May 14 in Mobile, Ala. It will mark Grace's third straight appearance and fourth trip overall as a team to the NAIA tournament (1988, 2021, 2022).

The Lancers narrowly won the doubles' point to start the match in thrilling fashion. Pablo Gregori and Salva Pons won 6-4 at No. 2 doubles, but Marian won at No. 3.

The point came down to the top doubles' court, which eventually went to a tiebreaker. Javier Gallego and Facundo Paredes made enough plays late to win 7-6 and give Grace the early momentum.

The Knights seemed to rally, however, and led during the first set on four of the six courts. Marian won at No. 4 singles to even the match, but Gregori quickly countered with a 6-2, 6-1 win at No. 3 singles to put Grace ahead.

Gallego won a wild match at No. 1 singles. After losing the first set 6-0, Gallego responded with a 6-0 blanking of his own in set two. He secured Grace's third point with a 6-3 victory in tiebreaking set.

Francisco Margaria earned the winning moment at No. 6 singles; he clinched Grace's win with a 6-4, 6-3 victory, sending the Lancers spilling onto his court in joyous celebration.

 

 

 

 

DOUBLES

1. Gallego/Paredes (GC) def. Ilett/Delgado (MU) 7-6
2. Gregori/S. Pons (GC) def. Ashworth/McNamar (MU) 6-4
3. Al Tori/Soriano (MU) def. A. Pons/Margaria (GC) 6-2

 

SINGLES

  1. Gallego (GC) def. Delgado (MU) 0-6, 6-0, 6-3
  2. Facundo (GC) did not finish
  3. Gregori (GC) def. Sobanski (MU) 6-2, 6-1
  4. S. Pons (GC) did not finish
  5. Henze (MU) def. A. Pons (GC) 6-2, 6-2
  6. Margaria (GC) def. Soriano (MU) 6-4, 6-3