GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.-- The Trine men's tennis team defeated Calvin 5-4 to pick up their first MIAA-win of the season Tuesday evening on the Strikwerda Tennis Courts.
After falling behind 2-1 after doubles, the Thunder rallied back for four singles wins to clinch their first victory over the Knights since joining the MIAA during the 2004-05 season. Caleb Knust (Plainfield, Ind./Plainfield), Joe Dunbar (Indianapolis, Ind./Guerin Catholic), Joey Clark (Sturgis, Mich./Sturgis) and Nick Ihrie (Kendallville, Ind./East Noble) picked up key singles victories for Trine. Knust and Dunbar combined for the victory at no. 1 doubles.
Knust picked up a dominating 6-0, 6-0 victory to improve to 15-3 overall and 3-1 in conference matches. Clark and Ihrie also each won in straight sets. Dunbar came up big in the no. 2 court, rallying back after dropping the second set to win the tiebreaking third set 6-4 and clinch the match for the Thunder.
With the win, Trine improves to 8-7 overall and 1-3 in the MIAA. Calvin falls to 4-6 overall and 0-2 in conference matches.
The Thunder will host Albion this Saturday, Apr. 12 at 1:00 p.m.