The Grinnell College men's tennis team rallied from a 2-1 deficit after doubles play to defeat Monmouth College 5-4 at 10th Avenue Courts, giving the Pioneers their 12th Midwest Conference South Division title in a row.

The victory also extended Grinnell's winning streak in divisional play to 47 matches, dating back to 2000. Grinnell finished MWC South play at 4-0 and moved to 22-5 overall, the 22 wins being the fourth-most in school history.

Monmouth dipped to 3-1 in the MWC South and 13-10 in all matches.

Ishan Bhadkamkar '13 and Benjamin Charney '15 were both two-time winners on the day. They teamed up to post a 9-7 victory at No. 2 doubles, Bhadkamkar won 6-1, 6-0 at No. 4 singles and Charney earned a 6-1, 6-0 victory at No. 6 singles.

Other singles winners were Elliott Czarnecki '15 at No. 1 (6-1, 6-2) and Charlie Wilhelm '15 at No. 5 (6-2, 6-1).

“This was a nice victory over a very good team,” said Grinnell coach Andy Hamilton. “Monmouth played well and they were particularly strong in doubles. Probably the players of the day for us were Ishan Bhadkamkar and Benjamin Charney. Their ability to prevail in doubles gave us some momentum going into singles. Then they both were dominant in singles.

“I am pleased for this group of guys to be another Grinnell team to win a South Division title in the Midwest Conference,” he added.  “Claiming our 12th division crown in a row could aid us next weekend because we'll face the No. 2 team from the North Division.”

Grinnell hosts Luther College Sunday in a battle of regionally-ranked teams. Action at 10th Avenue Courts begins at noon.