The Hope College men's tennis team dug deep early against Adrian College in its return to the DeWitt Tennis Center to earn a 7-2 victory on Wednesday.

The Flying Dutchmen improved to 8-8 overall and 2-1 in MIAA play while staying in the thick of the league race. 

Trine University is 3-0 after beating Albion, 9-0, on Wednesday, while Calvin University is 2-0 after winning 5-4 at perennial league champion Kalamazoo College, who has finished first in the MIAA standings every season except two since 1936. 

Hope has yet to play Calvin and Kalamazoo this spring.

Against Adrian, the Orange and Blue took two of three competitive doubles matches.

Freshmen Paul Schneider (Fishers, Indiana / Hamilton Southeastern HS) and Cooper Nugent (Rochester Hills, Michigan / Rochester Adams) picked up the first point with an 8-4 victory at third doubles.

At second doubles, senior John Voss (Cincinnati, Ohio / St. Xavier) and freshman Rylan Doden (Fort Wayne, Indiana / Blackhawk Christian) led late in their match before eventually falling 7-8 (4-7).

At first doubles, senior Justin Fay (Naperville, Illinois / St. Francis) and junior Austin Becksvoort (Holland, Michigan / Holland Christian) trailed 5-2 early before rallying for an 8-6 victory.

Fay's and Becksvoort's fifth consecutive victory together is their longest winning streak as double partners.

At first singles, Fay suffered a tough 6-7 (6), 2-6 loss, but his teammates picked him up to secure the victory.

Schneider and Doden each won 6-0, 6-3, at second and third singles, respectively.

At fourth singles, Nugent brought home the team victory with a 6-1, 6-1 win.

At fifth singles, Becksvoort cruised to a 6-2, 6-1 victory.

Voss then drew the home crowds to him, and they watched as he fended off a late charge and won 6-1, 6-4 at sixth singles.

The Flying Dutchmen head back to the road on Saturday, April 6, at 2 p.m. to play Alma College.