The Georgia Gwinnett men's tennis team captured its third straight NAIA National Title on Saturday, defeating No. 3 Xavier (La.) 5-2 at the Mobile Tennis Complex.
"Achieving a three-peat has been the goal since day one of the season," stated GGC head coach Chase Hodges. "We wanted to accept nothing but that and each match we were tested. Coming back from a 2-1 deficit in doubles was tough, but our guys showed guts and grit and picked up four straight wins in singles to clinch the match. I can't be more thankful as a coach to see these young men reach their best potential and pull off what is the making of a dynasty."
Georgia Gwinnett caps off the 2016 season with a perfect 26-0 record, maintaining the No. 1 ranking from beginning to end. The 26-0 mark is a program-best that surpasses the 2014 season's 21-0 record and is the second undefeated season in GGC men's tennis history.
The Grizzlies fell behind 2-1 in doubles play Saturday as the lone GGC win came with the pair of Kevin Konfederak and Jordan Cox defeating Xavier's Thomas Setodji and Kevin Chaouat 9-8.
Faced with the 2-1 deficit at the break, the Grizzlies went back to battle and captured four consecutive singles matches to secure the 2016 National Title.
Junior Gilad Berman tied the match at 2-2, winning the first singles match. Berman defeated XU's Chaouat 6-1, 6-0 at No. 4 singles.
Moments later, Konfederak gave the Grizzlies their first lead of the match, winning 6-2, 6-4 at No. 1 singles.
Holding a 3-2 lead over the Gold Rush, the Grizzlies moved one point closer to their third national title when junior Connor Clements picked up the fourth GGC victory at No. 6 singles with a 6-0, 6-4 win over Adam Albrecht.
Just seconds after Clements picked up the fourth point for GGC, the cheers and celebration began at court three where senior Matias Hatem clinched the 5-2 victory over Xavier with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Kyle Montrel at No. 3 singles.
Hodges continued, "This is the second time we've had a perfect season. In 2014, we went a perfect 21-0 and to duplicate that level of performance is amazing. We are going to take it all in and enjoy it while we can. Watching Matias clinch in his final match as a Grizzly was a highlight. He deserved the clinch and shined in the moment."
During the awards ceremony, Konfederak received the Ward-Ballinger Outstanding Player Award for going undefeated in No. 1 doubles and No. 1 singles play throughout the national tournament. Coach Hodges was also named the NAIA Men's Coach of the Year for the third season in a row.
The complete championship bracket can be accessed by clicking here.
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