CARY, N.C. – The North Carolina Central University men's tennis team defeated Morgan State University 4-2 in the semifinal round of 2023 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Championship inside Cary Tennis Park on Friday afternoon.

All-MEAC Second Team selection Facundo Olmedo clinched the maroon and gray victory with a thrilling victory over Bertin Karenzi (7-5, 1-6, 7-5). Fellow All-MEAC Second Team member Kareem Abdul Hakim beat Rhajzon Rankins 6-1, 7-5.

Junior Shaka Cristellotti clipped Makkijha Brown 5-7, 7-5, 7-5, and freshman Naresh Bharathy beat Sebastian Lopez 6-3, 2-6, 7-5.

All-MEAC Second Team selection Sebastian Pino battled but was outlasted by Mikael Carpenter 2-6, 6-3, 4-6, while sophomore Oliver Saarinen fell to Niles Rachal 6-3, 6-0.

NCCU (8-15) is advancing to the MEAC Championship match for the first time in the program's Division I era. The Eagles will battle South Carolina State University on Saturday April 29 at 12 p.m. The action will be available to watch on ESPN+.

For more information on the 2023 MEAC Tennis Championship please visit MEACSports.com