Rocky Mount, N.C. - The NC Wesleyan men's tennis team made history once again on April 25, defeating Methodist 4-1 to capture the USA South Conference Championship at the Slick Family Foundation Tennis Center.
After Methodist claimed the doubles point by winning two of the three matches, the Bishops responded with a dominant showing in singles play. NC Wesleyan quickly flipped the momentum, winning four straight singles matches to secure the title and extend its remarkable streak to 17 consecutive conference championships.
Ben Russell sparked the comeback at No. 3 singles with a strong 6-3, 6-4 victory. Farhaan Patrawala followed with a clutch performance at No. 4, battling through a tightly contested match to earn a 7-6, 7-5 win. Martin Cardestig added to the surge with a commanding 6-1, 6-0 victory at No. 5, putting the Bishops on the brink of the championship.
Indrek Raudkivi sealed the title at No. 6 singles with a dominant 6-1, 6-0 performance, clinching the match for NC Wesleyan. Matches at No. 1 and No. 2 singles were left unfinished once the team result was decided.
Despite the early deficit in doubles, including a close battle at No. 2 doubles, NC Wesleyan's depth, resilience, and composure in singles proved to be the difference.
With the win, NC Wesleyan once again stands atop the USA South, capturing its 17th straight conference championship. Indrek Raudkivi was named Tournament MVP, while Brody Brice, Ben Russell, and Adam Singleton earned All-Tournament Team honors. Methodist's Harry Crokam and Aaron Zoubek were also named to the All-Tournament Team.
The championship marks another milestone for the program, as the Bishops continue to showcase their consistency, depth, and championship pedigree on their home courts.
