ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. – The Grand Valley State men's tennis team defeated Columbus State 4-1 at the NCAA Division II Nationals in the Sweet 16 round Tuesday (May 20) morning. The Lakers improve to 19-2 on the season.
 
Columbus State claimed the doubles point with wins at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles. Lucas Gonzalez and Victor Lopes claimed a 6-4 win at the top doubles position. Stephen Claassen and Lawrence Ivanov dropped a tough 4-6 decision at No. 2 doubles. Denys Zamaraiev and Chimo Minguez fell 2-6 at No. 3 doubles.
 
In singles action, Denys Zamaraiev tied the score at 1-1 with a 6-4, 6-2 straight set win at the top singles position. Victor Lopes gave the Lakers a 2-1 lead with a 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 comeback three-set win at No. 3 singles. Patricio Sepulveda increased the lead to 3-1 with a 7-5, 6-3 straight set win at No. 5 singles. Jorge Ruiz clinched the win for GVSU with a 6-3, 7-5 straight set win at No. 4 singles. 
 
GVSU advances to the Elite Eight and will face Lubbock Christian who defeated Queens (N.Y.) 4-0 earlier today. The Elite Eight match will be played tomorrow (May 21) afternoon with first serve set for 3:00 PM at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs, Florida.