Southland Conference Champions, Men's Tennis Captures First-Ever Conference Title
Second-seeded NJIT captured the 2024 Southland Conference title with a 4-3 victory over top-seeded Incarnate Word Saturday evening.
The Highlanders (19-5) won their sixth straight match and registered their first-ever conference title at any level. The 19 wins are the most wins since the 2009-10 season when the Highlanders won 18.
NJIT earned the doubles points with wins at first and third singles. Pablo Perez Ramos and Wil Jenkins picked up a 6-3 victory at first doubles while German Lopez Andjar and Pavel Petrov won 6-4 at the third spot.
Perez Ramos clinched the match for the Highlanders in a three-set tilt, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 at first singles over Joao Sasso.
"Today we knew we had to be ready for a big battle playing the home team and having the crowd against us," said red-shirt sophomore Perez Ramos from Canary Island, Spain. "We started great getting the doubles point, and in singles Incarnate Word fought until the end, but we prevailed. I can't be more proud of this team and the three years of work we put in including the help from past teammates.
"Huge shout-out to Coach Marco Matteucci who is the real game changer of this program, putting extra hours of work and always being there for all of us. I think that at some point the guys were just fighting to give him the championship he deserves. To Coach Tiago Lourenco, thank you for the last two years and being on our side to accomplish this goal. Also huge thanks to Coach Edward Jules for pushing us during the whole year and getting us in the best shape of our life. And last but not least, to the athletic trainers, Carson O'Neill and Arianna De Lucia, who have been with us the whole year."
Top-seeded Incarnate Word started off strong in singles competition, earning wins at No. 3 and No. 4.
NJIT's German Lopez Andujar picked up a straight set victory at the sixth spot, 6-3, 6-2 while Wil Jenkins registered a 6-3, 6-4 at the second spot to tie the match at 3-3.
The 2024 NCAA Men's Tennis selection show is scheduled for Monday, April 29 at 6pm. Check back to NJITHighlanders.com for more information.