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Lander University

HOME OF THE LANDER UNIVERSITY BEARCATS #CLAWSUP
1
Lander University LANDER (5-1)
6
Winner Converse University CONVERSE (3-3)
Lander University LANDER
(5-1)
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Final
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Converse University CONVERSE
(3-3)
Winner
Harry Pugh and Brendan Jayaprakash MTENNIS 2026
Hailey Franklin

Match Recap: Men's Tennis | | Hailey Franklin - Assistant Sports Information Director

Converse Hands No. 21 Lander First Loss of Season

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Lander University's No. 21 men's tennis team suffered its first loss of the season Sunday morning, falling 6-1 on the road to Converse University at the Sally Abney Rose Complex.

The Bearcats (5-1) dropped the doubles point and were unable to recover in singles play as Converse (3-3) claimed five of six singles matches to secure the win.

Converse took control early by winning at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles. Max Barriere and Anton Krondell fell 6-3 at No. 2, while Benjamin Bates and Julian Peter were defeated 6-3 at No. 3, giving the Valkyries a 1-0 advantage heading into singles. 

The No. 1 doubles match featuring Harry Pugh and Brendan Jayaprakash was left unfinished with Lander leading 6-5.

In singles, Pugh provided the lone point for the Bearcats. After dropping the first set 6-4 at No. 1, Pugh rallied to take the next two sets 6-2, 6-4 to earn the victory and improve to 6-0 in singles play this season.

Converse answered quickly across the remaining courts. At No. 4, Jayaprakash fell 6-2, 7-5, and at No. 5, Ismail ElShafei was defeated 6-1, 6-4 as the Valkyries extended their lead. Barriere battled at No. 2 but came up short in three sets, 6-2, 6-7 (6-8), 6-2.

Anton Krondell pushed his match to a tight second-set tiebreak at No. 3 before falling 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), and Chan Min dropped a three-set decision at No. 6, 7-5, 1-6, 6-3, to round out the scoring.

Despite the setback, the Bearcats showed resilience in several tightly contested matches but were unable to capitalize on key moments as Converse controlled the momentum throughout the afternoon.

Lander returns to action Thursday, Feb. 26, traveling to Tigerville, S.C., for a 2:00 p.m. matchup against North Greenville University.
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