In a fiercely contested match, Elon University's men's tennis team faced off against the top-seeded UNCW Seahawks in the 2025 CAA Championship final. Despite giving their all, the Phoenix fell short with a final score of 4-2. This marks Elon's fourth consecutive appearance in the championship match, concluding their season with an impressive record of 11-8. Meanwhile, UNCW advances to the NCAA Tournament as the CAA's automatic qualifier after improving their season record to 12-7. The match highlighted both teams' competitive spirit and showcased standout performances across singles and doubles play.
The doubles segment set the tone early for the Seahawks, who secured victories on Courts No. 1 and No. 3 to claim the crucial first point. On Court No. 1, UNCW triumphed decisively with a 6-1 win. Although Elon attempted a comeback on Court No. 3 by rallying from behind, they ultimately succumbed to a 6-3 defeat. Notably, the match on Court No. 2 remained unfinished, where Elon's Rafael Ymer and Jack Curtis held a narrow lead over their opponents.
In singles action, Elon’s Jack Curtis delivered an inspiring performance, securing the first singles point with a commanding victory over Trey Mallory in straight sets. However, UNCW quickly regained momentum through Lukas Steffen’s hard-fought win on Court No. 5. A memorable moment came when Elon senior Juan Sengariz clinched his final collegiate singles victory in a thrilling three-set battle at No. 6, tying the match at 2-2. Unfortunately, UNCW regained control with wins by Sam Nicholson at No. 2 and Joe Wayand at No. 3, sealing the championship title.
At the top of the singles lineup, Veljko Krstic engaged in a tightly contested encounter that ended prematurely due to time constraints but demonstrated unwavering determination throughout. His perseverance exemplified the grit shown by the entire team during this significant matchup.
Though the championship eluded them this year, Elon University's men's tennis team leaves a lasting legacy marked by resilience and dedication. Their consistent presence in the finals reflects their commitment to excellence, while UNCW continues its dominance in the conference, celebrating another successful campaign.