After falling behind 3-0 in doubles play, the Grinnell College men’s tennis team roared back to defeat Coe College 5-4 in a battle of regionally-ranked squads Saturday in Grinnell.
Three of the singles wins were in three sets as the Pioneers, ranked 15th in the Central Region of NCAA Division III, improved to 17-5. Coe, rated 12th, dropped to 16-4.
Daniel Nellis ’13 collected the first singles win for Grinnell with a 6-4, 6-3 decision at the No. 3 spot. After Coe won a match to go up 4-1, Ishan Bhadkamkar ’13 won 3-6, 6-1, 7-5 at No. 4 and Eric Ritter ’12 beat the region’s 13th-ranked player 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 at No. 2.
Grinnell tied the match at 4-all when Benjamin Charney ’15 won 7-5, 6-2 at No. 6 and sealed the win with Charlie Wilhelm’s ’15 5-7, 7-6, 6-1 victory at No. 5.
“It was good to get a victory over a talented team like Coe,” said Grinnell coach Andy Hamilton. “I was pleased with how we fought. We’re entering the final stretch of the season and hard work and focus will be important for us.”
Grinnell plays matches at Ripon College and Knox College next Friday.
