FLUSHING, N.Y. (May 2, 2024) – The Baruch College Bearcats are CUNYAC Men's Tennis Champions once again, defeating Brooklyn, 5-0, on Thursday afternoon at the iconic USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. With the victory, Baruch earned the league's automatic bid to the 2024 NCAA Division III Men's Tennis Championship Tournament.
The Bearcats turned in a dominant performance to secure their conference-leading 17th championship in program history. With the win, Baruch will be making its 13th appearance at the NCAA Tournament.
Baruch raced out to a 3-0 lead, claiming all three doubles contests. The team of
Tuna Nergizoglu and
George Arteaga put the Bearcats on the board at second doubles, posting a convincing 8-1 win. At third doubles, the tandem of
Jordan Hernandez and
Reda Ljazouli posted an 8-4 victory to give Baruch a 2-0 advantage. At topflight doubles, the team of
Juan Paredes and
Nicholas Santiago rallied back from a 5-2 deficit to post an 8-6 victory and a 3-0 lead.
Ljazouli put the Bearcats within a point of securing victory at No. 6 singles, defeating his opponent by a score of 6-4, 6-0. Santiago clinched the victory and conference bragging rights with his 6-3, 6-2 victory at third singles.
Nergizoglu, the 2024 CUNYAC Player of the Year, was named the Championship's Most Valuable Player.
Baruch now awaits its first round opponent at the postseason national tournament. The NCAA Division III Men's Tennis Selection Show is slated for Monday, May 6 at 12:30 PM. The NCAA Division III Women's Tennis Selection Show is slated for Monday, May 6 at 12:00 PM.
