KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Kalamazoo College men's tennis team defeated Calvin 5-1 in the MIAA Tournament championship match at Stowe Stadium on Friday. Kalamazoo earned the league's automatic bid to the NCAA III Championships assuring that the Hornets will compete in the NCAA's for a record 42nd year. Kalamazoo has competed in every NCAA III Championship tournament since its inception in 1976.
After defeating Calvin 9-0 in the regular season, the Knights gave Kalamazoo some trouble in doubles with a 9-7 win at number two. The Hornets had already earned victories at one (Branden Metzler/Elan Dantus), 8-1, and three (Allen Vinson/Daniel Henry), 8-3.
Kalamazoo came out strong in singles and earned three quick wins to end the match. Eric De Witt was first off the court with a 6-0, 6-0 win at four. Spencer Navarre followed with a 6-2, 6-1 win at six. Daniel Henry clinched the championship with a 6-1, 6-1 win at two. The Hornets had won the first set in the other three matches and were leading in the second set in all of them as well.
Kalamazoo is currently 18-1 overall after winning the tournament and its 79th consecutive conference championship. The Hornets are ranked No. 26 in the nation and No. 4 in the region.
An announcement is expected to come from the NCAA on Monday, May 8 regarding Kalamazoo's first round location, time and opponent.