BELMONT, N.C. — The Belmont Abbey men's tennis clinched the top seed in the upcoming Conference Carolinas Tournament and at least a share of the regular season title thanks to a 5-2 win over Emmanuel in the regular season finale Wednesday at the Reidy Tennis Center.

The Crusaders captured the win taking five of the six singles matches after dropping the doubles point to the Lions. It is the third time in the last five years that the Abbey has clinched at least a share of the regular season title. The team also closes the regular season on a six-match winning streak.

Tim Stemler earned the win in No. 3 doubles with Noelle Andrey Ampong and followed that up with a win in No. 4 singles.

With Wednesday's result, Belmont Abbey closes its regular season with a 20-16 overall record and 8-1 mark in conference play. Emmanuel is 9-10 overall, 6-3 in the league.
Belmont Abbey played only one match Wednesday after its scheduled match with Mars Hill was canceled.

RANKINGS UPDATE

• Belmont Abbey moved up to No. 31 in the latest ITA Rankings released Wednesday.
• Additionally, the Crusaders were listed as a team under consideration in the first Southeast Regional rankings released by the NCAA Wednesday. Teams were listed in alphabetical order with the first set of rankings set to be released publicly next week.

UP NEXT

• The Crusaders will await their opponent for the Conference Carolinas Tournament set to take place April 25-27 at the Palmetto Tennis Center in Sumter, S.C.
• The full Conference Carolinas Tournament bracket will be unveiled on Friday following the conclusion of the regular season.