GRANTHAM, PA. – All the Messiah men's tennis team had to do today was show up as they took down the Hood College Blazers via default this afternoon. With Hood only bringing two players, Hood forfeited the match giving the Falcons the conference win.
 
The Falcons will travel to Swarthmore, Pa. for a non-conference matchup on Friday, April 21 for a match at 4:00 PM.
 
One Lone Doubles Match
Even with Hood bringing two players, there were a couple courts of action on the day. In a celebration of the seniors, Connor Rose and Jonathan Baker teamed up for the only court of doubles on the day. The senior tandem won convincingly 8-2.
 
Two Singles Matches
Carl Anderson got called up to the No. 1 spot this afternoon and capitalized on his opportunity, going the distance to a third set super tiebreak. After winning the first 6-3, Anderson fell 4-6 in the second to force a third set super tiebreak. Anderson had momentum on his side for the majority of it and prevailed 10-3 for the 6-3, 4-6, (10-3) win.
 
On court two, it was Gregory Valdez making his Falcon debut, seeing his first action of his career. Valdez responded with a 6-2, 6-2 commanding win for his first collegiate win.
 
All the other courts were forfeited by Hood College.
 
Up Next
With the win, Messiah has locked themselves into the No. 3 seed in the upcoming MAC Commonwealth tournament. They will await their opponent until the weekend's matches are concluded. But before then, a non-conference match against Swarthmore stands in front of them on April 21 at 4:00 PM. That match will be held in Swarthmore, Pa.