Grand Rapids Reporter

Ferris State University's men's tennis team has claimed the lead in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) standings. The Bulldogs achieved this by defeating Wayne State, ranked 22nd nationally, with a score of 4-3 in a match held on Sunday, April 14, in Detroit.

Ferris State, currently ranked 28th by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), began their triumph by sweeping the doubles round and securing the first point of the day at Wayne State's new outdoor tennis courts. Previously, Wayne State had been ranked within the top 10 nationally earlier this spring.

In singles matches, Wayne State managed to sweep the top three flights. However, Ferris State countered by winning at the bottom three positions. Notable victories came from Jan Koupil in four singles after three sets, Alessandro Santangelo with a straight-set win at five singles, and Kevin Kovacs clinching a win in three sets at six singles.

Koupil also played alongside Benjamin Lortie to achieve a significant doubles victory. The duo upset Cedric Drenth and Daniel Grey, who are ranked second nationally, with a score of 6-3. Additionally, Santangelo and Esunge Ndumbe defeated Luke Laws and Dom Spicer’s team—ranked 11th nationally—with a close 7-6 (7-4) decision. Kovacs paired with Yannic Alexander Mader to overcome Denali Kitayama and Benjamin Hill with a score of 6-4.

This victory improved Ferris State's overall record to 13-4 for the season and maintained an unbeaten conference record of 4-0. Wayne State's loss resulted in an overall record of 11-9 and dropped them to 3-1 in league play. Prior to this match-up, both teams were tied at the top of the conference standings.

The Bulldogs now hold a one-match lead over both Wayne State and Lake Superior State as they head into their final two regular-season matches. This defeat marked Wayne State's first home loss this season; they now have a home record of 9-1.

Ferris State will conclude their GLIAC regular-season matches back on home turf next weekend against Michigan Tech on Friday, April 19, followed by Lake Superior State on Saturday, April 20. Both matches are scheduled for a start time of 2 p.m. Eastern Time at FSU Racquet and Fitness Center.

Further details on match results can be accessed through this link: https://ioncourt.com/ties/660ff78e1906e2a6666a5715