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Grantham, PA - The Falcons of Messiah College fought to a 5-1 victory over the Arcadia Knights to win their their third MAC Commonwealth title in as many years. The men took the early 2-1 lead in doubles play and won three more tough singles matches to clinch yet another NCAA Tournament berth.
Connor Graybeal's come from behind singles victory is what clinched the win for the Falcons.
The duos of
Tim Dunn/
Connor Graybeal (8-2) and
Devin Esch/
Austin Warren (8-5) each took early victories in doubles play to put the Falcons ahead early, a lead which they never gave up. Messiah's only loss of the day came in the number three singles spot, where
Dustin Innerst and
Blake Ross lost by a tough 3-8 score.
Singles competition was as tight as ever, with the conference championship coming down to two matches that were each in their third set.
Austin Warren (6-1, 6-0) and
Devin Esch (6-0, 6-1) each carved out early victories for Messiah, and it was
Connor Graybeal's come from behind victory to clinch the title for the Falcons. Graybeal climbed out of a 1-6 first set hole to win the final two sets at 6-4, 6-4. Graybeal's victory clinched the title for the Falcons and also earned him the Most Valuable Player award.
The Falcons will carry their 11-match winning streak into their third-straight NCAA Tournament, and will find out the details of their match early next week.
