by Mackenzie McMahon

After serving up a 9-0 win over Adrian College to finish out the regular season, the Hope College men's tennis team earned a 6-1 record in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play. 

Four different Flying Dutchmen recorded shutout sets, including junior Jacob Burkett (Clarkston, Michigan / Clarkston HS) at No. 1 singles, junior Cameron Coates (Stevensville, Michigan / Laurel Springs)  at No. 2 singles, junior Tyler Stafford (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Grand Rapids Christian), pictured right, at No. 3 singles, and senior Tyler Koran (Salinas, California / Salinas) in the No. 6 singles match. Burkett would go on to win 6-2/6-0, Coates earned the win with 6-2/6-0 sets, Stafford grabbed the win with 6-2/6-0 sets, while Koran snagged his victory with 6-2/6-0 sets. 

Junior Matt Henkel (Traverse City, Michigan / Traverse City Central) and freshman Austin Becksvoort (Holland / Holland Christian) completed the sweep of the singles matches against the Bulldogs. At No. 4 singles, Henkel defeated his opponent 6-1 and 6-1, while Becksvoort also took down his Adrian opponent 6-1 and 6-1 at the No. 5 singles spot. 

Sophomore Justin Fay (Naperville, Illinois / St. Francis) and Koran snagged the No. 3 doubles matchup with an 8-4 victory. No. 2 doubles had Stafford and Henkel matched up against Adrian, with the pair coming away with an 8-4 win. Burkett and Coates secured their win with an 8-3 No. 1 doubles match. 

The men of Hope College tennis receive the No. 2 seed in the MIAA Tournament which is set for Wednesday, May 4, where the Flying Dutchmen will take on No. 3 Trine University.