LANDISVILLE, Pa. - Penn State Harrisburg's men's tennis team rolled to a 4-1 victory over conference foe St. Mary's (Md.) at the Hempfield recCenter to clinch the program's third straight United East Championship on Sunday morning, May 3.
With the win, the Lions (11-7) secured their third conference title in as many seasons and their fourth in program history. Penn State Harrisburg also secured an automatic berth in the upcoming NCAA Division III Championship Tournament.
The top-seeded Lions took an early lead thanks to a pair of victories in doubles play. The No. 2 pairing of Ved Pawar and Colin Flack picked up the first win of the day thanks to a 6-3 decision over Alex Lyman and Andrew Hand before the regionally-ranked duo of Cooper Wheeler and Damir Cuturic sealed the doubles point with a 6-4 victory over Jacob Nelson and Max Esztergomi in the No. 1 match.
Pawar set the tone in singles play, making quick work of Esztergomi in a 6-1, 6-0 win in the No. 2 contest. For his efforts, Pawar was named the United East Championship Tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Wheeler was strong in the top singles showdown, handling Nelson 6-1, 6-2 in the marquee matchup. Just moments after Wheeler wrapped up his win, Cuturic clinched the overall victory over the Seahawks (10-7) and the conference championship by besting Aidan Cron 6-4, 6-3 in the No. 3 solo contest.
The Lions will now await the announcement of their opponent in the NCAA Tournament on Monday afternoon, May 4. First round action is set to begin next weekend.
Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg men's and women's tennis all season long on Instagram and X by following the Lions using the handle @pshbgtennis.
