Tigers capture NCCAA Tennis championship

Campbellsville University

Campbellsville University captured the NCCAA Men’s Tennis Championship on Friday in Mobile, Ala. The Tigers are, from left, front: Terry Caven and Alberto Diaz. Back: assistant coach Phil Carlisle, Sebastian Marot, head coach Kyle Caven, Pablo Numbela, Pontus Blom, Zac Malyon, Austin Colliver, Carlos Anton and assistant coach Kelly Anderson.

A long season hit a new peak last Friday as Campbellsville University men’s tennis claimed its first-ever national championship in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Tournament at the Mobile Copeland-Cox Tennis Center.
Campbellsville (19-6) went 5-0 on the week and won the championship with a 5-1 victory over Spring Arbor University (Mich.).
 “These seniors have been working hard for four years. You’ve really be able to see the progression of these guys and the program,” CU head coach Kyle Caven said. “We have a lot of room to grow, but it’s nice to achieve things and see some progress with a championship. The guys couldn’t be happier for each other. It’s been such a team commitment this whole year and week. They’ve come together and enjoyed it and really become better friends as well.”
The seniors set the tone for Campbellsville Friday with Carlos Anton, Pablo Numblea, Zac Malyon and Terry Caven recording wins at No. 1 and No. 3 doubles. That gave the Tigers an early 2-1 advantage entering singles play.
With the senior setting the stage, it was the three freshmen who helped close the match. Sebastian Marot gave the Tigers a 3-1 advantage by capturing the first singles victory at the third position. Alberto Diaz followed at No. 6 singles for his third victory on the week, while Pontus Blom scored the decision point at No. 4 singles. 
The NCCAA championship is the third team title for Campbellsville University athletics, having won the 2009 NCCAA Division I volleyball title and the 2011 Football Victory Bowl.
Campbellsville also has claimed eight individual NCCAA national titles in track and field.
Campbellsville also qualified for the  NAIA National Tournament (also in Mobile), but were eliminated by Belhaven (Miss.) 5-4 on Tuesday.