MEN’S TENNIS

The Huntington men’s tennis team wrapped up an outstanding fall season by competing among the nation’s best at the ITA Cup, where Mete Koseoglu advanced to the Elite Eight in singles and the doubles tandem of Julian Tantera and Javier Lopez Real reached the Elite Eight in doubles competition.

The ITA Cup features a select field of the top NAIA players and doubles teams in the country, with only 16 singles players and 16 doubles teams qualifying for the national event.

Koseoglu earned his spot in the tournament after claiming the ITA Midwest Regional singles championship. He opened the national tournament with an impressive comeback victory, rallying from a set down to win 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 and advance to the quarterfinal round. His run ultimately concluded in the Elite Eight, placing him among the nation’s top singles players and capping an impressive fall campaign.

Huntington was equally impressive in doubles play. Tantera and Lopez Real qualified for the ITA Cup after finishing as runners-up at the ITA Midwest Regional Championships. The Forester duo showcased its resilience in the opening round, overcoming a first-set setback to post a 2-6, 6-0, 10-6 victory and secure a spot in the quarterfinals. Their Elite Eight finish placed them among the top doubles tandems in the NAIA.

The national performances were the latest highlights in what proved to be a successful fall season for the Foresters. Huntington claimed an ITA Midwest Regional singles championship, produced a regional singles runner-up, advanced a doubles team to the regional finals, and finished with representatives in the national quarterfinals in both singles and doubles play.

With the fall varsity season now complete, the Foresters will turn their attention to the spring campaign. Huntington returns with momentum after proving it can compete with many of the top players and programs in the country and will look to build on that success as it pursues both a Crossroads League Championship and a berth in the NAIA National Championships.