News Summary
The Mississippi State University Men’s Tennis team successfully advanced to the NCAA Round of 16 after defeating the University of New Orleans and Michigan State University, both with a score of 4-0. This marks the third consecutive year for the Bulldogs to progress from the NCAA regional tournament held on home courts. With impressive performances and a strong home record, the team is set to face Ohio State in the next round.
Starkville, Mississippi – The Mississippi State University Men’s Tennis team has advanced to the NCAA Round of 16 after securing two impressive victories on home turf. The Bulldogs, who are seeded No. 12, kicked off their tournament run by defeating the University of New Orleans 4-0 on May 1, 2025, and followed it up with a similar performance against Michigan State University, winning 4-0 again on May 2, 2025.
This victory marks the third consecutive year that the Bulldogs have progressed out of an NCAA regional tournament held on their home courts. Furthermore, they have reached the Round of 16 in seven out of the last nine tournaments, demonstrating a strong consistency in their performance on a national level.
In the initial match against New Orleans, Mississippi State quickly took charge by winning the doubles point. The pairing of Niccolo Baroni and Mario Martinez Serrano triumphed with a score of 6-2 at No. 2 doubles, followed by No. 1 duo Petar Jovanovic and Benito Sanchez Martinez, who also secured a 6-2 victory. Despite a brief lightning delay that shifted the match indoors, the Bulldogs continued their momentum.
Mario Martinez Serrano opened singles play at the No. 6 position, recording a dominant win with scores of 6-0, 6-2. Sanchez Martinez, competing at the top singles spot, followed suit by easily taking his match with a score of 6-0, 6-1. Niccolo Baroni clinched the match against New Orleans with a 6-2, 6-2 score at No. 3 singles, completing a solid team performance. Freshman Bryan Hernandez Cortes was on the verge of winning at No. 5 singles as Baroni’s match came to a close, showcasing the depth of the Bulldog team.
The encounter with Michigan State also faced challenges due to weather, experiencing a nearly four-hour rain delay. However, the Bulldogs were unfazed and secured the first point in doubles play, with Jovanovic and Sanchez Martinez winning at 6-4, while Baroni and Martinez Serrano triumphed in a tiebreaker, ending at 8-6. This successful doubles performance set a strong tone for the singles matches.
In singles, Bryan Hernandez Cortes led the way with a 6-3, 6-4 win at No. 5 singles. Dusan Milanovic contributed with a decisive 6-3, 6-2 victory, putting MSU one step closer to victory. Niccolo Baroni once again stepped up, earning the clinching win against Michigan State with a score of 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 at No. 3 singles, sealing the Bulldogs’ advancement in the tournament.
Overall, Mississippi State finished the season on a high note with a remarkable home record of 19-1, the only defeat occurring against North Carolina State in late January. The team’s achievements this year reflect a strong program supported by a dedicated coaching staff and skilled players.
Looking ahead, Mississippi State is set to face off against Ohio State, the No. 5 seed, in the third round of the NCAA Tournament next Saturday. Head coach Matt Roberts emphasizes the importance of recruitment, ensuring that new players align with the team’s culture and are committed to both individual and team success. This strategy is fundamental to maintaining the team’s competitive edge in the NCAA landscape.
With solid performances and a strong team spirit, the Bulldogs are poised to continue their successful run in the NCAA tournament as they aim for further glory.
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Additional Resources
- Hail State: Mississippi State Set to Host Privateers in NCAA First Round
- Wikipedia
- C Dispatch: Bulldogs Sweep First Two Rounds of NCAA Tournament
- Google Search: NCAA Men’s Tennis
- MSU Spartans: Michigan State Aims for First Round Win
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennis
- UNO Privateers: Season Ends Against Mississippi State
- Google News: Mississippi State Tennis
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
