GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Calvin closed out its regular season campaign with a 7-2 conference victory over visiting Trine University Saturday afternoon at the Strikwerda Tennis Courts.
The victory clinches a spot in next week's four-team MIAA Tournament for the Knights who finish third in the final MIAA regular season standings at 5-2 in conference play.
The win also avenges a 5-4 non-conference loss to the Thunder from this past fall.
Calvin (6-5 overall), roared out to a 3-0 lead with three resounding wins in doubles play.
Playing on a day when Calvin honored its seniors playing in their final home match, seniors Max Stallings (Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich./Grosse Pointe North) and Daniel Huan (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian HS) put together an inspiring performance at No. 1 doubles, winning 8-6 over Trine's tandem of Aaron Streit and Ryan Smith. At No. 2 doubles, freshmen Jesse McCurdy (Anderson, Ind./Lapel) and Adam Zentner (Clarkston, Mich./Clarkston HS) rolled to an 8-2 win over Jaxon Davis and Drew Dixon. Freshmen Harrison Sindelar (Westfield, Ind./Westfield HS) and Isaac Jeong (Novi, Mich./Novi HS) triumped 8-3 over Isaac Everitt and Eric Gaby at No. 3 doubles.
In singles action, Trine (12-6 overall, 4-3 MIAA) picked up a point with a win at No. 4 singles but McCurdy was a 6-0, 6-2 winner over Davis at No. 3 singles and Stallings a 6-2, 6-3 winner over Everitt at No. 1 singles to clinch the match.
The Knights added on two additional three-set wins in super tiebreaker action. Huan ran his season singles record to 8-3 with a 6-7, 6-2, 13-11 victory over Streit at No. 2 singles. Zentner also claimed an equally thrilling 4-6, 6-2, 10-6 win at No. 5 singles.
COACHES COMMENT: "I was very pleased with our performance this afternoon," said Calvin head tennis coach John Ross. "Our freshmen have come a long way since our loss this fall to Trine. I love the way they continue to progress and mature. Having said that, our seniors set the tone for this match. They made their final home match one that they will remember. I am grateful for their effort not only today but also over the last four years. Their leadership in the midst of a pandemic this year has been very gratifying for me as a head coach."
NEXT UP: Calvin will now prepare to compete in the MIAA Tournament next week. Official pairings and opponents will be announced later this weekend.
