The Houghton Men's Tennis Team has accomplished a feat never before achieved in program history. For the first time since entering the Empire 8, the team has remained perfect in all of their regular-season play following their defeat of Utica College on Saturday.
The Highlanders played near flawlessly in doubles, with 8-0, 8-0 wins at second and third doubles followed by an 8-1 victory at first. Senior Zach Shilvock finished his Houghton Home Court Career with a win of 6-0, 6-2; bringing his overall singles record to an impressive 9-3 during regular singles play this season. "It's really impossible to express all Zach has done for this program," Says Head Coach Tonya McGraner "You're talking about someone who has been instrumental in building and leading a program. He's leaving a legacy that's going to stick with this team and help guide us for years to come. I'm so proud of him, and I'm really exciting that he's getting to see his investment and hard work pay off some during his senior year."
The Highlanders were able to pull off all remaining singles victories for a 9-0 sweep of Utica. This victory was especially sweet for two Highlander athletes: Junior Jake Fisler and Sophomore Ethan Yung. With his victory on Saturday Fisler earned a perfect 7-0 record in singles conference play and brought his overall season record to 11-2. Ethan Yung accomplished a first in Highlander program history, remaining completely undefeated in regular-season singles and doubles play in the Empire 8. Yung's victory Saturday caps off a 7-match win streak for the sophomore in singles and doubles play each.
The Highlanders will now begin the road to postseason, where they will enter Empire 8 Championships as the Number 1 Tournament Seed – a first time accomplishment for any Houghton Athletics' Team. The Highlanders will take on opponent Alfred U in the first round of the Championships: Friday 4:00pm at Mendon Racquet Club in Pittsford, NY.
"It's been an awesome season!" remarks Coach McGraner "Honestly, this year has been such a blessing. I have an amazing team. These guys are so motivated, dedicated, hard-working, and all around good people. They really wanted it this year. The fire that I've seen in them - their desire to win and be their best – it's what has gotten them to this point. They work so hard in practice, the training has been tough and I've asked a lot of them mentally and physically. But they've each been on-board since day one to make this program the best it can be. I'm really happy for them, they've earned this. The work's not over though, it's time to go get ready for tournament!"
