The Salem University men's tennis team concluded its 2025-26 season this April, finishing with an overall record of 3-12. The Tigers navigated a schedule defined by heavy road travel and high-level regional competition, relying on a mix of veteran leadership and a large freshman class to power through the spring slate.

Mid-Season Momentum

Following a tough start to the dual-match season in March, the Tigers found their rhythm during the Spring Break Tennis Fest in early April. Salem secured its first major victory of the spring on April 1, edging out Bluefield State University in a tightly contested 4-3 road win.

The team's most dominant performance occurred on April 11 when they returned to Salem to host West Liberty University. The Tigers protected their home court with a flawless 7-0 sweep, marking their most comprehensive victory of the year. Salem added a third win to their tally just days later on April 15, traveling to Pennsylvania to defeat Millersville University with another narrow 4-3 result.

Key Contributors

The season saw consistent efforts from a diverse group of student-athletes. Senior leadership was provided by Tomas Acuna and Daniel Dodd, alongside graduate student Thijmen Wessel. Their experience was vital as the team integrated several new faces into the lineup, including freshmen Benjamin Lantu, Jack Taggert, and Jose Cobo.

The squad also leaned on the contributions of players like Elias Hort and Damian Shaw, who helped anchor the rotation. Meanwhile, sophomore Simon Braeuning and freshman Mika Rodermond were among those who helped drive the international depth that defined the squad's lineup throughout the year.

Season Summary

While the Tigers struggled to find consistency on the road—finishing 2-10 away from home—the season was a showcase of resilience against a demanding schedule. The year concluded with a hard-fought match against Frostburg State University on April 23, where the Tigers fell 2-5. With a significant portion of the roster consisting of seven freshmen, the experience gained during this campaign provides a solid foundation for the program heading into the 2026-27 season.