Men's Tennis wins OAC Tournament title with come from behind 5-3 victory over John Carroll

May 7, 2022

By Tim Glon

MASON — The top-seeded Ohio Northern men's tennis team won the Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament championship with a 5-3 victory over second-seeded John Carroll in the finals on Saturday afternoon at the Lindner Tennis Center.

The Polar Bears posted their school-record 22nd victory of the season against just four losses and will advance to the NCAA III Tournament with the league's automatic bid.

The Blue Streaks, who had won the previous six titles, end their season at 9-9.

Ohio Northern won the tournament championship for the first time since 2013 and the 11th time in program history.

ONU will find out its NCAA Tournament destination and first round opponent on Monday.

The Polar Bears trailed 2-1 after doubles, but rallied to win Nos. 3-6 singles to claim the crown.

John Carroll jumped to a quick 2-0 lead after winning at Nos. 1 and 2 doubles.

Senior Zach Beaschler (Ada) and sophomore Drew Swisher (Findlay) rallied from a 5-1 deficit to win 8-6 at No. 3 doubles and give ONU momentum heading into singles.

Beaschler tied the match at 2-all with a 6-0, 6-1 win at No. 6 singles.

After a JCU win at No. 1 singles, freshman Tristan Munteanu (Draper, Utah/Corner Canyon) tied it at 3-3 with a 6-3, 6-1 win at No. 5 singles.

Freshman Sam Sran (PB, India/St. Stephens and Gian Jyoti Global) won 7-6(5), 6-3 at No. 3 singles to give ONU a 4-3 lead.

Freshman Peyton Specht (Munster, Ind.) clinched the championship with a 6-4, 6-4 win at No. 4 singles.

"I am so proud of our team to battle back through adversity today," ONU head coach Mike Bonnell said. "We were in trouble midway through doubles, but we battled back and got a big win at No. 3. John Carroll pushed us and played well. Our seniors have been great all year, but the freshmen stepped up big again today and won matches under pressure. We are excited to take the next step and play in the NCAA Tournament."