The Rematch is Set: Houghton, Stevens for Second-Straight Season in E8 Men's Tennis Championship

5/3/2019 9:08:50 PM

CHAMPIONSHIP CENTRAL
Houghton and Stevens will meet once again for the Empire 8 Conference Men's Tennis Championship after each program posted convincing victories during Friday's Semifinal Round action. Here's how Friday's Semifinal Round action played out in Pittsford, N.Y. 

#1 Houghton 5, #4 Alfred 0 | BOXSCORE
Houghton advanced to the championship match of the E8 Tournament for the second-straight year with a 5-0 win over Alfred Friday at the Mendon Racquet and Pool Club. The Highlanders are the top seed in the tournament and will face No. 2 Stevens on Saturday at 10 a.m. in the E8 Championship Final. The Ducks defeated No. 3 St. John Fisher in Friday's other semifinal.

Houghton got wins in all three doubles matches (8-4, 8-5, 8-1), and then closed the match with wins by Zach Shilvock in second singles (6-2, 6-2) and Dylan Scherer in fourth singles (6-0, 6-2). The other four singles matches were unfinished. 

"Alfred came to play today, it was good tennis all around," said Houghton head coach Tonya McGraner. "Congrats to them for making it to the tournament and for playing a great semifinals match. Our guys were able to stay consistently aggressive and take advantage of big points, and that gave us the edge. We remained focused and converted, with high energy across the board today. It was a good win today and I know we're all excited and ready to go for it tomorrow against Stevens!"

Saturday's championship is a rematch from last year, which Stevens won 5-0. But Houghton defeated Stevens, 5-4, during the regular season this year, breaking the Ducks' 66-match E8 win streak.

#2 Stevens 5, #3 St. John Fisher 0 | BOXSCORE
The nine-time defending E8 Champions will head back to the title match once again as second-seeded Stevens defeated third-seeded St. John Fisher, 5-0, in today's Semifinal action at the Mendon Racquet and Pool Club. With the win, Stevens will now take on Houghton in tomorrow morning's championship. 

The Ducks swept all three doubles matches, including winning a very tight No. 1 doubles match, 8-7. Stevens rolled at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles, posting 8-2, and 8-0 wins. They would then go on to post wins at No. 1 and No. 2 singles en route to the victory. 

The Ducks defeated Houghton 5-0 in last year's E8 Championship final. 

2019 Men's Tennis Tournament Schedule:
- All matches to take place at Mendon Racquet & Pool Club, Pittsford, N.Y. - 
Friday, May 3
Semifinal Round
No. 1 Houghton 5, No. 4 Alfred 0 
No. 2 Stevens 5, No. 3 St. John Fisher 0 

Saturday, May 4
Championship Final 
10am - No. 1 Houghton vs. No. 2 Stevens

- Information for this reelase provided by the athletic communications staff at Houghton - 

ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit www.empire8.com and https://youtu.be/wzL4HcDoUUQ