Grace Men’s Tennis Looks Strong Again
WINONA LAKE – The Grace College men’s tennis team tasted a championship season last fall and is ready for more.
The Lancers, fresh off sharing the 2012 Crossroads League championship, are ready for their title defense in 2013.
“I’m really excited about this year,” said Grace head coach Larry Schuh. “We lost Michael [Blevins] and Nikola [Todorovic] from last year, but God blessed our recruiting efforts, and I think we can be even stronger this year. Our goal is to win the league again and to get the automatic bid to NAIA Nationals by winning the league tournament.”
Under fifth-year coach Schuh, Grace returns a number of letterwinners from last year’s team, led by seniors Aaron Blevins, Michael Humphrey and Jack Wang along with junior Daniel Sanchez.
Sanchez played No. 1 singles for the Lancers as a sophomore, claiming All-League status for his performance.
The Lancers’ sophomore class of Ricardo Bedon and Ethan Grove along with transfer Jose Marval (University of Pikeville) will add depth and court experience to Grace’s rotation.
Additionally, the squad has a number of talented recruits who Schuh believes can start immediately for the Lancers.
“The strength of our team is doubles and even more importantly in our depth,” Schuh said. “Our returning players know how to win, and they will be a great example to our talented newcomers.”
Grace’s first match is on Wednesday when they travel to Northwestern Ohio.
The Lancers will then be tested immediately in their Crossroads League title defense. On Sept. 3 they host league rival Spring Arbor for a 3 p.m. match at Miller Field. Grace will then square off with 2012 co-regular season champion Indiana Wesleyan four days later on the road in a match that has major implications on the remainder of the year.