Men's Tennis Earns Comeback 5-4 Win Over Grand Valley State In GLIAC Tournament Quarterfinals

MIDLAND, MICH. – The Northwood University men's tennis team picked up a dramatic 5-4 comeback win over Grand Valley State in the semifinals of the GLIAC Tournament Saturday afternoon (April 25).

Northwood, the No. 3 seed in the tournament, advances to the finals with a 13-4 record. Grand Valley State, the second seed, falls to 15-4 with the loss.

The event is being held at the Greater Midland Tennis Center.

Things did not start well for Northwood in doubles, as the Lakers won all of the matches easily to go up 3-0 heading to singles.

Needing to win five of the six singles contest to win the match, Northwood came out strong in singles. NU picked up three quick straight-set wins to level the score at 3-3, with Sebastian Eguez, Salikh Gilmutdinov and Konstantin Zhukov all winning. The final three matches on court all went the full three sets. Austin Woody gave Northwood its first lead of the day with a three-set win at No. 3 singles to make the score 4-3.

GVSU picked up a win at No. 5 singles, leveling the overall match at 4-4, meaning the No. 6 contest between Tanini Kader of Northwood and Andrew Bole would decide the overall winner. Kader took the first set 6-4, followed by Bole winning the second 6-4. Kader then finished off the Timberwolves comeback win with a 7-5 victory in the final set.

Northwood will now face top-seeded Ferris State in the finals. First serve is set for 8:15 a.m.