Yellow Jackets Edge Pioneers

DEFIANCE, OHIO  –  For the first time since joining the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference, the Defiance College (8-4, 3-0 HCAC) men's tennis team defeated the Transylvania (Ky.) University (0-5, 0-2 HCAC) Pioneers. It was an exciting win at that as it took until the final point to determine the 5-4 outcome.

When sopohomore James DeMeo (Oregon/Clay) and senior Ryan Nelson (Oregon/Clay) began their singles matches, the team score was tied at 3-3. The stakes were raised after sophomore Tory Savage (Bryan) fell in the only three set match of the night by a score of 2-6, 6-2, 6-4.

The winning point came by the hands of DeMeo at the second singles position. DeMeo topped his opponent with a 6-4, 6-3 decision in order to seal the victory for the team. Not long before, Nelson provided the tying point for the Yellow Jackets with a 6-2, 7-6 (7-0) victory at the number three singles position.

The only other singles victory for Defiance was by freshman Adam Swisher (Bedford, Mich. /Bedford) at the sixth singles position. Swisher prevailed with a one-sided 6-0, 6-2 decision.

During doubles play, Defiance managed to get out to an early 2-1 advantage. First doubles team of seniors Mike Ross (Bryan) and Justin Walker (Wilson, N.C. /Hunt) blew the gates wide open by taking a 7-0 advantage. With the point within grasp, the Pioneers fought back to win the next five games before Ross and Walker sealed an 8-5 victory. Demeo and Nelson managed to provide another point for their teammates with an 8-4 success at number two doubles.

Defiance returns to action on Wednesday, Apr. 8 as the team visits Richmond, Ind. to take on the five-time defending HCAC champion Earlham College Quakers. The match is scheduled to begin at 4:00 PM.