MADISON, Wis. – The Grinnell College men's tennis team won its ninth Midwest Conference title in a row Friday afternoon with a 5-2 win over Monmouth College. This came on the heels of a 5-0 victory over St. Norbert College in the semifinals earlier Friday.

The title-match victory sends Grinnell to 24-6 on the season and gives the Pioneers the league's automatic berth to the NCAA Division III National Tournament.

The MWC title is also Grinnell's 10th in the past 11 seasons and 15th overall.

The Pioneers trailed 2-1 after doubles play, with their victory coming at the No. 3 spot from Colin Johnson '13 and Aaron Lapkin '15 (8-2).

Grinnell dominated singles though, winning at Nos. 3 through 6 with Daniel Nellis '13 (7-6, 6-2), Ishan Bhadkamkar '13 (6-2, 6-1), Charlie Wilhelm '15 (6-4, 6-3) and Benjamin Charney '15 (6-4, 6-1).

“I'm extremely pleased for our guys,” said Grinnell coach Andy Hamilton. “For us to roll out a lineup with nine or 10 guys in it most of the season speaks about our depth. I need to give a big call-out to my junior class of Colin Johnson, Ishan Bhadkamkar and Daniel Nellis.

“Colin was the glue in our third doubles point,” he added. “He played very well and enabled us to come out of the tough doubles draw versus Monmouth with at least one point. In singles, Ishan and Daniel played very well. Daniel turned the tables on his opponent who had beaten him last weekend and Ishan was steady as ever in his victory. Those three guys certainly showed their experience in the big moments and aided our victory in a huge way.

“I also felt senior captain Michael Cole played a great day of tennis,” Hamilton continued. “For us to be able to come away with three doubles victories over St. Norbert made our work in the morning easier, and therefore we were rested for the Monmouth squad. Monmouth, on the other hand, had a tough match against Carroll and they certainly were tired when we stepped on the court against them.”

Hamilton gave plenty of credit to Monmouth. “It was another great match with them,” he said. “That squad fights to the bitter end, and they are very athletic and fit. That is a really good team.”

The Pioneers will participate in league singles and doubles play this weekend.