KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Kalamazoo College men's tennis team defeated Hope 5-1 at Stowe Stadium on Friday to win the 2016 MIAA Tournament Championship. With the win Kalamazoo advances to the NCAA III Championships for the 41st consecutive time and remains the only team to qualify for every tournament since it began in 1976.

Kalamazoo led 2-1 afer doubles. Branden Metzler and Elan Dantus won 8-1 at one while Allen Vinson and Ricardo DelOlmo-Parrado won 8-2 at three. The Hornets were narrowly defeated 9-7 at two.

Metzler won quickly at one singles, 6-0, 6-0, and was followed by Vinson's 6-1, 6-0 win at five. Spencer Navarre clinched the win for the Hornets with a 6-1, 6-3 win at six. Kalamazoo had won the first set at the three other flights when the match outcome was determined.

Currently ranked No. 35 nationally, Kalamazoo (18-4) won its 78th consecutive conference championship last week with a 7-0 record.

The NCAA III Championships bracket is expected to be released this Monday, May 9.