Men's Tennis | 10/5/2024 12:54:26 AM

CARY, N.C. - Men’s action at the 2024 MEAC Tennis Invitational saw some upsets in the men’s singles draw with the top seed getting eliminated in the quarterfinals.  

A pair of Bulldogs, a Bison and a Bear made it through to the men’s singles semis following some tough opening round and quarterfinal matches.  

Michael Major Jr. (HOW) advanced to the semifinals after defeating top-seeded Hugo Hidalgo Vega (NCCU) in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4. Earlier in the day, Major defeated Daniel Wachira (CSU), 6-3, 6-0.  

Aissa Benchakroun (SCSU) defeated Niles Rachal, 6-2, 6-4, after a morning bye. Rachal had to get past Naresh Bharathy (NCCU) in a two-set match to reach the quarters.  

The No. 3 seeded Mikeal Carpenter (MSU) defeated his opponent, Rodrigo Alves (NCCU) in two sets, 6-2, 6-0.  

No. 2 Novak Novakovic managed to advance to the quarterfinals after upending Kareem Abdul Hakim (NCCU) in a two-set tie breaker, 7-5, 7-6 (7-3).  

In doubles action the Morgan State duo of Brown and Karenzi defeated Coppin State’s Khetepal and Whata 7-5, 7-6 (7-3). The Bears pair will face S.C. State’s Benchakroun/Novakovic. 

Howard’s pair of Dunac/Lash advanced after their opponents Mortimer and Murtaugh (CSU) retired.