Lander University

Men's Tennis 5/4/2026 9:28:00 PM Hailey Franklin - Assistant Sports Information Director

Lander Earns 20th Straight NCAA Southeast Regional Berth, Set to Face Flagler

Indianapolis, Ind. - Lander men's tennis is headed back to the NCAA postseason for the 20th consecutive season, earning the No. 6 seed in the 2026 NCAA Division II Southeast Regional.

The Bearcats (12-6, 3-3 PBC) will face a familiar conference foe in No. 3 seed Flagler (18-4, 5-1 PBC) in the opening round on Monday, May 11, at 2 p.m. at the John W. Walden Tennis Center in Columbus, Ga.

Lander finds itself on the Columbus State side of the bracket, with the Cougars (19-2, 6-0 PBC) serving as the No. 2 seed and regional host. Belmont Abbey (23-17, 10-1 Conference Carolinas) rounds out that portion of the bracket. On the opposite side, No. 1 seed Catawba (18-1, 11-0 SAC), the South Atlantic Conference Tournament champion, will host its half of the regional.

The Bearcats enter the postseason battle-tested after advancing to the Peach Belt Conference Tournament semifinals, where they fell to top-seeded Columbus State. Flagler also reached the PBC championship match before dropping a 4-2 decision to the Cougars.

"We worked hard to put ourselves in this position and definitely feel like we are a team capable of beating anyone on our day," said head coach Brett Simpson. "Flagler is a tough draw, but we have played plenty of tough matches this season and are ready for the challenge."

Lander, one of the most storied programs in Division II men's tennis, continues to build on its championship pedigree. The Bearcats are seeking their ninth national title, having previously captured eight consecutive NCAA championships from 1993 to 2000.

With postseason experience and a proven track record, Lander looks to make another deep run as it opens regional play against a familiar opponent with a trip to the next round on the line.

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