MOBILE, Ala. – As the sun set on **day one of the 2025 UTR NAIA Men’s Tennis National Championship**, the thrills and nail-biting moments kept fans on the edge of their seats at the renowned Mobile Tennis Center. This year’s opening round didn’t disappoint, featuring close contests and exceptional displays of talent from each competing team. You can check the full [bracket here](https://www.naia.org/sports/mten/2024-25/Files/Bracket_MTennis.pdf) and find the [schedule here](https://naiastats.prestosports.com/sports/mten/2024-25/Tournament_Schedule).
Match Highlights & Key Takeaways
Cumberland vs. Huntington: A Clash of Titans
The Phoenix of Cumberland (Tenn.) secured a hard-fought victory over the Huntington (Ind.) Foresters, prevailing 4-2 in a gripping match that lasted nearly four hours. With **one singles match hanging in the balance**, Cumberland’s player showcased remarkable resilience, overcoming cramps and an injury to clinch the win.
Middle Georgia State’s Narrow Escape
In another thrilling encounter, Middle Georgia State battled their way to a dramatic 4-3 win against Morningside (Iowa). The intensity was palpable, with three singles matches pushing to the limit and concluding in thrilling three-set scenarios.
Grace Lancers Triumph Over Oakland City
In a fiercely contested matchup, the Grace Lancers (Ind.) proved their mettle by defeating Oakland City (Ind.) 4-1. This victory marked their third consecutive appearance in the national tournament, solidifying their status as contenders in this year’s championship.
Continuing Success Stories
Holy Cross Saints Glide to Victory
The Holy Cross Saints (Ind.) cruised through their matchup against McPherson (Kan.), securing a decisive 4-0 win. With this impressive display, they’re set to face SCAD Savannah (Ga.) in the second round, and anticipation is building for what promises to be an electrifying match.
Xavier’s Consistent Dominance
The Xavier (La.) team showcased their prowess with a commanding 4-0 sweep over Ottawa (Kan.), bringing their tournament record to an impressive **22-15** in their 16th appearance at the national level.
Racers of Northwestern Ohio Advance
In a significant victory, the Northwestern Ohio Racers triumphed over Missouri Baptist with a 4-2 score, marking their entry into the second round as one of three northern teams to advance.
University of the Cumberlands and Dillard Impress
The University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) demonstrated formidable skills, sweeping Tennessee Southern in their third consecutive trip to the National Tournament. Meanwhile, Dillard (La.) bested William Woods (Mo.) in another dominant display, preparing them for a clash against second-seeded Tennessee Wesleyan in the next round.
Looking Ahead
With such an electrifying start to the championship, fans are eagerly awaiting the upcoming matches. **Which teams will rise and which will falter?** Join us as we continue to **follow the journey** of these talented athletes through this year’s NAIA Men’s Tennis National Championship!
### Stay Tuned!
Make sure to check back for more updates, match recaps, and exclusive insights into the tournament as it unfolds.
For more information on the NAIA and its various sports initiatives, visit the [NAIA official website](https://www.naia.org).
