WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 29, 2025) — The Morgan State men's tennis team wrapped up their visit to the Ntaion's Capital with a 5-2 loss to Norfolk State, concluding their participation in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tennis Roundup.

Despite the setback, the Bears (3-14, 0-3) gained valuable experience competing against conference rivals. The team will look to regroup as they continue their season.

Norfolk State (10-9, 3-1) swept the opening doubles point, setting the tone early. Deniz Okyay and Jakub Solaski earned a 6-4 victory at the No. 2 position, before McRae and Kubalka won 6-4 at the No. 3 slot. Vladisav Gorbatenko and Boris Lunin completed the sweep with a 7-5 (5) triumph at the top position.

Jakub Solarski gave Norfolk State a 2-0 lead with a 6-0, 6-3 win over Makkijha Brown at the No. 2 position.

Morgan's Mikeal Carpenter delivered a decisive victory at the top of the lineup, dispatching Norfolk State's Gorbatenko in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-2. This initial win provided a boost for the Bears. However, the Spartans quickly responded, with McRae securing a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Mohamed Ridha Ghettas on Court 4. 
 
Deniz Okyay clinched the match by defeating Bertin Karenzi 7-6 (4), 6-1 on position three. Jacob Poole bested Kubalka 3-6, 7-6 (3), 10-1 on Court 5, but Boris Lunin took down Anthony Parris 6-1, 6-4 on position six.
 

How It Happened

Singles
No. 1 – Mikeal Carpenter (MSU) d. Vladisav Gorbetenko (NSU), 6-2, 6-2
No. 2 - Jakub Solarski (NSU) d.  Makkijha Brown (MSU), 6-0, 6-3
No. 3 - Deniz Okyay (NSU) d.  Bertin Karenzi (MSU), 7-6 (7-3), 6-1
No. 4 - Frederick McRae (NSU) d. Mohamed Ridha Ghettas (MSU), 6-2, 6-3
No. 5 - Anthony Parris (MSU) d. Igor Kubalka (NSU), 3-6, 7-6 (7-2), 10-1 
No. 6 - Boris Lunin (NSU) d. Jacob Poole (MSU), 6-1, 6-4

Order of Finish: 2,1,4,3,5,6

Doubles
No. 1 – B. Lunin/V. Gorbetenko (NSU) d. M. Carpenter/B. Karenzi (MSU), 7-6 (7-4)
No. 2 – J. Solarski/D. Okyay (NSU) d. Y. Kerouat/M. Brown (MSU), 6-3 
No. 3 – F. McRae/I. Kubalka (NSU) d. A. Parris/N. Santos (MSU), 6-4

Order of Finish: 2,3,1

Morgan will return to action at home when they face crosstown rival Coppin State on Wednesday, April 11th.

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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.