Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324

CHICAGO (May 4, 2024) - Playing in their second-ever NCAA Tournament, the North Central College men's tennis team rolled to a 5-0 win on Thursday, defeating Principia College at XS Tennis in the first round.

Justin Penados and Rafael Lessa claimed the first win of the day, 8-2 at No. 2 before Ramon Vilarroig Martinez and Matthew Sengphommachanh won 8-1 at No. 2. Completing the doubles sweep was Wyatt Crowell and Guillermo Gonzalez Fernandez who battled to an 8-6 win in the top spot.

Lessa picked up the first singles win with a 6-2, 6-2 win at the No. 5 spot. Clinching the team victory for the Cardinals, Gonzalez Fernandez won 6-2, 7-6 at No. 6. Vilarroing Martinez, Sengohommachanh, and Crowell each won a set before the clinch.

The Cardinals advance to the regional semifinal to face Washington University in St. Louis on Friday. That match is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. at XS Tennis in Chicago

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