DC Moves One Step Closer to HCAC Tourney with Win

DEFIANCE, Ohio – In a make-up match from last week, the Yellow Jacket men's tennis team hosted Anderson University in a Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference showdown with major postseason tournament implications. The Purple and Gold stepped up to the challenge and came through with a huge 7-2 win.

The match began with doubles play, which Defiance took a crucial two-of-three matchese. The Yellow Jackets received a great performance from the one doubles team in Cord Speelman and Ryan Nelson, as the pair easily disposed of the opposition by a score of 8-3.

DC's other doubles win came from the tandem at the three position of Michael Vanderkolk and Justin Walker. The team won by a final of 8-5 to give the home side the edge going into singles action.

The Jackets used the momentum from the doubles success and elevated their singles play to a whole new level. Defiance dominated the Ravens in the six singles matches, winning five-of-six matches. The Purple and Gold received straight-set wins from Mike Ross at one singles and Craig Bills at the four spot.

After dropping the first set, Cord Speelman rallied to cruise through the second and third sets to seal the win for DC. Since Defiance already had the match in hand, the final two matches of the day, the five and six singles matches, were eight-game pro sets like doubles. DC's Justin Walker and Tyler Thiel each won their matches to complete the great team performance.

The Purple and Gold improve to 3-4 in the Heartland and 7-10 on the season. The Yellow Jackets look to take another big step towards the postseason tournament on Wednesday, as the team hosts arch-rival Bluffton University at 4:00 p.m. at the Dix Tennis Facility.