WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Grace’s two-time defending Crossroads League champion men’s tennis team is poised to continue its success as they enter the 2024-25 season.
After an undefeated 2023 run through conference regular season for the second-straight year, the Lancers continued their magical run to claim the conference tournament crown once again.
This year’s group will start the season in the No. 20 spot in the NAIA Top-25 Coaches’ Poll after turning in a 22-6 record while advancing to the second round of the NAIA tournament a year ago.
Coach Andy Lewis’s squad features seven returners with four newcomers joining the roster. Four upperclassmen will lead a group of seven freshmen and sophomores.
Over the past four seasons, Grace has advanced to the NAIA tournament three times and collected two NCCAA national titles. Overall, the team has compiled an impressive 88 wins with 39 coming against conference opponents across the regular season and postseason tournaments. The Lancers have advanced to four-straight conference tournament finals over that stretch.
“If we play well and execute on the court, we are going to be tough to beat,” said Lewis. “All of our returning players gained valuable experience in the spring which will help them going forward.”
The departure of NAIA First Team All-American Javier Gallego (81-17) and All-Conference performer Facundo Paredes opens spots in the lineup for guys to step into different roles.
The Lancers will be led by senior captain Pablo Gregori. Gregori (80-29 overall) was an All-Conference performer and NAIA Second Team All-American honoree a year ago.
He was joined by Salva Pons (31-16) on the All-Conference team. Luis Cordoba (24-19) and Manuel Marques (24-19) stepped into the lineup during the spring to hold down the middle of the rotation. Artur Pons (18-10), Cesar Garcia and Landon Gibson each contributed valuable matches throughout the year to add depth.
"Solidifying our lineup will be key for us," said Lewis. "If we bring the same energy and motivation as we did last season, we will have a great year. I look forward to watching this team compete.”
Four incoming freshmen will reload the Lancers’ lineup. Two hail from Europe and two from Indiana. Roko Misura (Split, Croatia), Benjamin Rahine (Riviere-Salee, France), Zack Parker (Plainfield) and Braxten Sheets (Goshen) will look to break into the lineup and acclimate to collegiate tennis.
The season kicks off with a preseason tuneup against Cedarville before the Lancers jump into Crossroads League action.
League play will commence on Sept. 3 versus Bethel at the Don Cramer Tennis Courts at 2 p.m. Grace will look to defend its conference crown when the league tournament gets underway on Oct. 1.