The beat goes on - GC men's tennis team extends Midwest Conference title string to 18

Grinnell 5, Cornell 0
Grinnell 5, Lake Forest 1

MIDDLETON, Wis. - As steady as the rain has been this month, so has the success of the Grinnell College men's tennis team in Midwest Conference play.

The Pioneers added to that impressive streak Friday, claiming their 18th consecutive league crown with a 5-1 win over Lake Forest College at Hitters SportsPlex. With the crown - Grinnell's 24th overall - came a 15th consecutive trip to the NCAA Division III National Tournament.

Grinnell got out to a 2-1 lead in doubles play, with 8-3 decisions by the duos of Jonah Gilmore '24 and Henry Bridgers '24 at No. 2 and Leo Esztergomi '24 and Karch Knoll '25 at No. 3.

Wilder Cooke '25 made it 3-1 with a 6-2, 6-0 decision at No. 6 singles. The Pioneers delivered the team victory with a 6-2, 6-1 victory by Sam Rudenberg '25 at No. 5 singles and 6-1, 6-1 decision by Knoll at No. 4 singles. Additionally, Esztergomi and Gilmore were leading their foes at Nos. 2 and 4 singles when Grinnell clinched the victory.

The win moved Grinnell to 14-11 on the season and extended its winning streak against MWC opponents to 172 matches, dating back to the 2002-03 season.

In Friday's semifinal round, the Pioneers coasted past Cornell College 5-0. Grinnell jumped out to a 3-0 lead through doubles. Bowen Mince '22 and Rudenberg won 8-3 at the top spot, Gilmore and Bridgers teamed up for an 8-0 shutout at No. 2 and Esztergomi and Knoll took an 8-1 decision at No. 3.

In singles, Knoll shut out his foe 6-0, 6-0 at No. 4 and Bridgers earned a 6-1, 6-0 victory at No. 6. Mince, Esztergomi, Gilmore and Rudenberg all led their foes when the Pioneers clinched.

MWC individual tournament play begins Saturday with singles play, followed by doubles competition on Sunday.

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