Jackets Clinch HCAC Postseason Berth in Win Over Bluffton

DEFIANCE, Ohio – With a Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament berth on the line, the Defiance College men's tennis program came through against arch-rival Bluffton to ensure the Jackets a spot in the postseason. The Purple and Gold easily disposed of the Beavers by a final of 8-1.

Like the evening before against Anderson, the Yellow Jackets won two-of-three doubles matches to take an early 2-1 advantage. Defiance won at the number one and two spots, as Cord Speelman and Ryan Nelson recorded an 8-1 win, followed by an 8-3 victory from Craig Bills and Justin Walker.

The Purple and Gold put on an impressive display of tennis in the singles portion of the match. The Jackets absolutely dominated play, as no DC player dropped more than three games in a match. Nelson finished with a perfect 6-0, 6-0 score at the two spot, while Ross and Speelman both won 6-0, 6-1.

With the victory, the Yellow Jackets secure a spot in the HCAC Tournament for the first time since the 2010 season. The Purple and Gold's conference record is now even at 4-4, while improving to 8-10 in the spring.

Defiance wraps up its regular season play on Saturday, April 27, as the squad hosts Hanover at 10:00 a.m. in a Heartland battle for the fifth seed.