Kansas City, MO – The UC men's tennis team remained ranked No. 8 in the latest NAIA Coaches' Poll, collecting 228 points following a competitive opening stretch of the spring season. 

Since the last poll, the Patriots opened conference play with a road matchup against No. 3 Tennessee Wesleyan before earning back-to-back victories over Tusculum and Carson-Newman at the LMU Indoor Tennis Facility. 

Cumberlands began the spring slate with a 6–1 setback to Tennessee Wesleyan in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Patriots picked up an early doubles win at No. 1 behind Darius Kuster and Gabriele Solda, while Thibaud Vivier provided UC's lone singles point with a three-set comeback victory at No. 4. Several matches were tightly contested, including a third-set super tiebreak at No. 2 singles, as the Patriots showcased depth against one of the nation's top-ranked programs. 

The Patriots responded Friday with a dominant 6–1 win over Tusculum. Cumberlands swept doubles to grab early momentum and carried it into singles, capturing five matches. Kuster earned a straight-set victory at No. 2, Vivier followed with a strong performance at No. 4, and Kesia Roi posted a decisive win at No. 6. Additional three-set victories from Solda and Jacopo Cianfarini highlighted UC's resilience throughout the lineup. 

Cumberlands closed the weekend with a commanding 5–0 victory over Carson-Newman. The Patriots secured the doubles point and went on to sweep four singles matches, led by Kuster at No. 1, Solda at No. 3, Roi at No. 5, and Mohammed Abuzed Saber at No. 6. The remaining singles contests were halted once the team result was decided. 

Cumberlands joins several Mid-South Conference programs in the national rankings, including Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) at No. 5 and Cumberland (Tenn.) at No. 19, while Bethel (Tenn.) received votes. 

The Patriots are back on the courts on February 13, where they will travel to Rome, GA to compete in the ITA/NAIA National Indoor Tournament.  

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