Men's Tennis | 5/9/2021 8:43:36 PM
Top-seeded Houghton secured the winning point with a three-set victory at fourth singles as the Highlanders held on to defeated second-seeded Nazareth, 5-4, in the championship match of the Empire 8 Conference Men's Tennis Tournament at the Kerr-Pegula Fieldhouse on Sunday, May 8.
The Highlanders defeated the Golden Flyers for the third time this season -- none closer than the final match -- to improve to 10-3 overall and to secure its first-ever conference title in men's tennis. Nazareth, also seeking its first-ever E8 title, finished its season at 7-3 overall. Houghton also gained an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament later this month. The NCAA selections and tournament schedule will be announced on May 10, First round action begins on May 14.
With the score tied at 4-4, the match boiled down to the fourth singles match between Houghton's Matt Cicero and Nazareth's Will Britton. Britton won the first set 6-2, but Cicero rallied to take the next two sets 6-2, 6-2 to clinch the match for the Highlanders. Cicero was named the 2021 Empire 8 Men's Tennis Championship Tournament Most Valuable Player for his efforts.
Nazareth tied the score with a three-set win at fifth singles by Tyler Luong, who outlasted Houghton's Levi Webb 6-2, 1-6, 6-2.
Nazareth led 2-1 after the doubles matches as the Golden Flyers rallied for key victories at first and third doubles. At third doubles, the tandem of Ryan Lalik and Dominic Vito was down 4-1, before rallying to take the pro set 8-6 over Houghton's duo of Adam Brown and Ben McKay.
At first doubles, Nazareth's twosome of Nathan Allen and Tommy Daviau rallied from a 4-3 deficit to win 8-5. Houghton's second doubles duo of Webb and Ethan Yung rolled to an 8-2 victory.
Houghton's singles rally was highlighted by wins at the first three singles positions to take a 4-2 lead in the match, including a close 6-4, 6-4 win by Ethan Yung over Allen at first singles. Jake Fisler rolled to a 6-3, 6-0 win at second singles, while Micah Schilke earned a 6-2, 6-2 victory at third singles.
Lalik recorded a straight-set win at sixth singles, 6-3, 6-3 over Micah Christenson to cut the Houghton lead to 4-3 Luong knotted the match moments later.
2021 Empire 8 Men's Tennis Championship Schedule
Wednesday, May 5 – First Round
#4 Alfred University defeats #5 Utica College, 5-0 – STATS
Friday, May 7 - Semifinals
#1 Houghton College defeats #4 Alfred University, 5-0 – STATS
#2 Nazareth College defeats #3 St. John Fisher College, 5-4 – STATS
Sunday, May 9 - Championship
#1 Houghton College defeats #2 Nazareth College, 5-4 – STATS