Holland Reporter

The Grand Valley State men's tennis team secured a victory against Columbus State with a 4-1 scoreline during the NCAA Division II Nationals in the Sweet 16 round. The match took place on Tuesday morning, May 20, in Altamonte Springs, Florida. This win improved the Lakers' season record to 19-2.

Columbus State initially gained an advantage by winning the doubles point through victories at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles positions. Lucas Gonzalez and Victor Lopes of GVSU managed a win at the top doubles position with a score of 6-4. However, Stephen Claassen and Lawrence Ivanov faced a narrow defeat at No. 2 doubles with a score of 4-6, while Denys Zamaraiev and Chimo Minguez lost their match at No. 3 doubles with a score of 2-6.

In singles matches, Denys Zamaraiev equalized for GVSU by winning in straight sets, scoring 6-4, 6-2 at the top singles position. Victor Lopes turned the tide further in favor of the Lakers with a comeback three-set victory at No. 3 singles, finishing with scores of 1-6, 6-2, and 6-3. Patricio Sepulveda extended the lead to 3-1 by winning his match in straight sets at No.5 singles with scores of 7-5 and 6-3. Jorge Ruiz then clinched the overall win for GVSU by securing another straight set victory at No.4 singles with scores of 6-3 and 7-5.

Following this triumph, Grand Valley State advances to face Lubbock Christian in the Elite Eight after they defeated Queens (N.Y.) earlier that day with a scoreline of 4-0. The upcoming Elite Eight match is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, May 21st, starting at 3:00 PM at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs.