Grace Tennis: Upset Special
WINONA LAKE – Senior Day inspired Grace’s men’s team on Saturday at Miller Athletic Complex.
The Lancers stunned second-place Marian 5-4, sending ripples through the Crossroads League standings.
Before Saturday’s match, Grace honored its graduating class of Danila Kurkulin, Uros Pajic and Adam Yoder. The seniors went on to play a pivotal role in Grace’s win.
Pajic had a part in two points, including an 8-5 win at No. 2 doubles with Diego Zamora and a 6-2, 6-2 win at No. 2 singles.
Adam Yoder and Conner Bates came through with an 8-4 win at No. 3 doubles, giving the Lancers (3-4, 3-4 CL) an early advantage after doubles’ play.
Kurkulin impressed 6-2, 6-2 at No. 1 singles, and Lucas Fonseca clinched the match win for Grace with a 6-4, 6-3 victory at No. 6 over the Knights (6-2, 5-2 CL).
“This was a great win for our team tonight. We had some impressive contributions from several people,” said Grace assistant coach Andy Lewis. “Uros went undefeated today, and Danila continues to dominate at one singles. Lucas won at six singles to clinch the match, so it was a great effort from everyone.”
The Lancers end the regular season next week with two road matches. Grace plays at Bethel on Tuesday and at Indiana Wesleyan on Saturday.
Emily Mast was the lone bright spot for Grace’s women’s tennis team on Saturday.
The Lady Lancers (7-4, 3-4 Crossroads League) lost 8-1, but Mast excelled at No. 1 singles.
Mast continued her perfect singles’ record, speeding by her opponent 6-2, 6-1.
The rest of the singles’ lineup for Grace lost in straight sets to the Knights (6-1, 6-1 CL). Carrie Copeland was the closest loss, falling 6-3, 6-2 at No. 2 singles. Briana Diehl at No. 6 and Jenna Jackson at No. 3 singles lost by 6-2, 6-1.
All three doubles’ courts had the final score of 8-3 in favor of Marian.
The Lady Lancers play at Bethel on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m.