Oberlin, Ohio – The Oberlin College men's tennis team opened the season with an exciting 4-3 come-from-behind victory over Division II Findlay on Saturday afternoon at the Don Hunsinger Courts.
 
The Yeomen were swept in doubles play which would normally mean they would be down three points with the first team to five points winning the match. However, today they benefited from the Division II 7-point scoring system where doubles count for just one team point.
 
"We never gave up and kept battling," Head Coach Eric Ishida said. "Our guys just kept playing and challenging them, and we were fortunate enough to grind it out. What a fun way to start the season."
 
Oberlin senior Stephen Gruppuso earned his 45^th career singles win with a three-set triumph over Jorge Barnuevo. After dropping the first set 3-6, Gruppuso rallied to win the next two frames 6-3, 6-2.
 
Sophomore James Dill also went the distance in the third flight, knocking off Ivaylo Slavov 6-4, 4-6, 6-0 for career victory number 11.
 
In his first collegiate match, freshman Sean Billerbeck bested Alfredo Berlanga in straight sets at the fifth position, 7-5, 6-1.
 
However, the match-clinching fourth point would come courtesy of sophomore Sam Topper. He was upended by Mark Ivanov 5-7 in the opening set, but Topper would step up for his teammates by dropping just three games the rest of the way – taking down Ivanov 6-3 and 6-0 to give Oberlin the victory.
 
The Yeomen are back in action next weekend when they welcome a plethora of players from various schools for the annual Oberlin Invitational.