CARY, N.C. (April 24, 2024) – Howard University tennis program looks to bring home the hardware as they gear up for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championships in Cary, N.C.
 
Thursday (April 25), HU women take on Norfolk State (NSU), followed by the Bison men facing Morgan State (MSU).
 
MATCHUP PREVIEWS
 
HOWARD WOMEN
 
HU women (10-9, 4-2 MEAC) enters the tournament as the No. 3 seed. The squad is focused on extending their win streak while earning the program's first MEAC title since 1995 (sixth overall).
 
Junior Nadia Pegram (Naples, Fla.) and newcomer Imani Jean (Brooklyn, N.Y.) lead the way with a combined 24 singles victories. In doubles play, the duo is 10-7.
 
NORFOLK WOMEN
 
NSUs women's tennis team (2-16, 1-5 MEAC) comes into the tourney as the No. 6 seed. Norfolk State faced a tough match against Hampton at Neilson-Screen Stadium, falling, 4-2.
 
Despite the loss, Norfolk State seniors Gabriela Davidescu and Laura Ruiz showcased their skills with singles victories.
 
HOWARD MEN
 
With a recent 4-3 victory over their rival MSU on Senior Day (April 20), Howard men (5-10, 2-3 MEAC) locked in the No. 4 seed for the upcoming MEAC Tournament. With their sights set on making a deep run, the team is ready to bring their A-game to secure another win against Morgan State in the opening round.
 
Senior Justin Cadeau (West Orange, N.J.) and newcomer Michael Major, Jr. (Nassau, Bahamas) lead the charge with seven singles wins apiece. In doubles competition, the duo is 7-6 overall (2-2 MEAC).
 
MORGAN STATE MEN
 
Despite their valiant efforts, the Bears (7-12, 1-4 MEAC) fell short on Howard's Senior Day and earned the No. 5 seed in the MEAC Tourney. With Howard solidifying the No. 4 position, Morgan State faces a crucial rematch in the opening round.
 
Mikeal Carpenter leads the squad in singles play, serving primarily in the No. 1 spot. This season, he has an 12-5 mark (3-2 MEAC) and currently riding a six-match win streak.
 
LAST TIMEOUT
 
On April 20, HU women wrapped up the regular season with a three-match win streak after knocking off rival Morgan State, 5-2, at Banneker Recreation Center in D.C.
 
That same day, the Bison men closed out the regular season with a 4-3 victory over MSU on Senior Day at Banneker Recreation Center.
 
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
 
With a pair of victories, both squads advance to the MEAC Semifinal Round.
 
HU women face No. 2 Delaware State Friday (April 26) at 9 a.m., while the Bison men take on top-seeded South Carolina State in the afternoon at noon.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.