MOBILE, Ala. - A long season hit a new peak Friday as Campbellsville University men's tennis claimed its first-ever national championship in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Tournament at the Mobile Copeland-Cox Tennis Center. Campbellsville (19-6) went 5-0 on the week and won the championship with a 5-1 victory over Spring Arbor University (Mich.).
"These seniors have been working hard for four years. You've really be able to see the progression of these guys and the program," said
Kyle Caven, CU tennis coach. "We have a lot of room to grow, but it's nice to achieve things and see some progress with a championship. The guys couldn't be happier for each other. It's been such a team commitment this whole year and week. They've come together and enjoyed it and really become better friends as well."
The seniors set the tone for Campbellsville Friday with
Carlos Anton, Pablo Numblea,
Zac Malyon and
Terry Caven recording wins at No. 1 and No. 3 doubles. That gave the Tigers an early 2-1 advantage entering singles play.
With the senior setting the stage, it was the three freshmen who helped close the match.
Sebastian Marot gave the Tigers a 3-1 advantage by capturing the first first singles victory at the third position.
Alberto Diaz followed at No. 6 singles for his third victory on the week, while
Pontus Blom scored the decision point at No. 4 singles.Â
The NCCAA championship is the third team title for Campbellsville University athletics, having won the 2009 NCCAA Division I volleyball title and the 2011 Football Victory Bowl. CU also has claimed eight individual NCCAA national titles in track and field.
CU (19-6) will take two days off in Mobile before returning to practice in preparation for next week's NAIA National Tournament, which begins Tuesday. CU will meet No. 15 Belhaven University in its first NAIA Tournament match Tuesday, May 15.
Â
Campbellsville 5, Spring Arbor 1
DOUBLES
1.
Carlos Anton/
Pablo Numbela (CU) def. Calderone/Mayes (SAU), 8-3
2. Darling/Scholten (SAU) def.
Sebastian Marot/
Pontus Blom (CU), 8-3
3.
Zac Malyon/
Terry Caven (CU) def. DeBruyan/Wojtkowski (SAU), 8-2
SINGLES
1.
Carlos Anton (CU) vs. Darling (SAU), Â DNF
2.
Pablo Numbela vs. Calderone (SAU), DNF
3.
Sebastian Marot (CU) def. Mayes (SAU), 6-3, 6-1
4.
Pontus Blom (CU) def. DeBruyn (SAU), 6-3, 6-3
5.
Zac Malyon vs. Scholten (SAU), DNF
6.
Alberto Diaz def. Wotjkoweski (SAU), 1-6, 7-5 (9)
Â
A more complete story and match scores will be updated this evening.
   Â
