Lancers Go Back-To-Back As Crossroads League Champs

HUNTINGTON, Ind. – For the second straight season, Grace's men's tennis team claimed the regular season championship for the Crossroads League.

The Lancers did so in dramatic fashion on the final day of the conference season, beating No. 22 Huntington on the road in a winner-take-all match. 

Grace and HU were the final remaining undefeated teams in the Crossroads League entering Saturday. Only the Lancers remained perfect after Saturday's 6-1 title-clinching win over the Foresters.

Grace claimed its fourth regular season title since 2012; the Lancers went back-to-back in 2012 and 2013, repeating that accomplishment a decade later in 2022 and 2023.

The Lancers took the early advantage by earning the doubles point. After splitting at No. 1 and No. 3 doubles, the point came down to Pablo Gregori and Salva Pons. The duo won 6-4 to claim the first point up for grabs.

Grace extended its lead when the match flipped to singles play. Javier Gallego and Facundo Paredes put the visitors on the brink with victories at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. Pablo Gregori added the title-clinching point with his 6-4, 6-4 triumph. 

Salva Pons needed the tiebreak in the first set before claiming victory 6-1 to complete his matchup.

The final point of the match was credited to Francisco Margaria. After dropping the first set, he proceeded to go 6-3, 10-5 to cap off the scoring for Grace.

With the win, Grace will be the No. 1 seed in the Crossroads League Tournament and will play at home for as long as they advance. Grace is aiming for a repeat of the tournament title as well after winning the league tourney for the first time in team history last fall.

Grace will participate in the ITA Regionals Sept. 27-30 before beginning tournament play on Oct. 3 at home versus the No. 8 seed Saint Francis.