In an intense showdown at the Cary Tennis Park, the North Carolina Central men's tennis team concluded their season as the runner-up in the MEAC Championships. The Eagles faced off against South Carolina State, the top-seeded team, ultimately losing 4-0 in a match that marked the third consecutive year these two teams met in the finals. Despite falling short, NCCU showcased remarkable resilience and determination throughout the season, finishing with an impressive 16-6 record, marking their best performance in the Division I era.
The rivalry between North Carolina Central (NCCU) and South Carolina State (SCSU) reached another milestone on Saturday afternoon as they competed for the MEAC Championship title. This was the third straight year the two teams clashed in the final, with SCSU previously securing victories in both encounters. The championship began under challenging circumstances for the Eagles, who lost the doubles point, placing them at a 1-0 deficit heading into singles play.
Singles competition unfolded swiftly, with several key matchups deciding the outcome. At the No. 1 position, senior Hugo Hidalgo Vega encountered Mikalai Bankou, resulting in a decisive 6-1, 6-2 victory for Bankou. Shortly afterward, Antoni Pankowski faced Iliyas Maratuly at No. 3 singles, where Maratuly triumphed in sets of 6-2, 6-4. Another pivotal match occurred at No. 5 singles when Aissa Benchakroun of South Carolina State defeated Rodrigo Alves in sets of 6-4, 6-2, sealing the final point for the Bulldogs.
Several other matches were left unfinished due to the conclusion of the championship. Notably, Naresh Bharathy had won the first set in his No. 4 singles encounter with a score of 7-5 before the match ended prematurely. Additionally, teammates Kareem Abdul Hakim and Leo Fortier-Gariepy were leading in their respective second sets when the contest was halted.
A silver lining emerged during the post-match ceremony when Rodrigo Alves and Hugo Hidalgo Vega were honored with spots on the All-Tournament Team for their standout performances in No. 1 doubles. Their contributions underscored the depth and talent within the Eagles' lineup despite the disappointing result.
As the curtain falls on the 2025 MEAC Championship, North Carolina Central can reflect proudly on their accomplishments this season. With a strong finish highlighted by a 16-6 overall record, the team demonstrated significant growth and potential for future success. Fans eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for this promising group of athletes.