ATLANTA, Ga. -- The Alabama State University men's and women's tennis teams opened the fall portion of the 2025-26 schedule with strong performances at the HBCU Nationals held in Atlanta, Ga.

The Hornets finished second in the 10-team field with 57 total points, while the women finished tied for third with 53 points in a 12-team field.

There were several standout performances for the men's team, led by Loris Gueli, who won the main draw in the C Flight. His win in the final came over Xavier (New Orleans) which saw him finish 5-0 in singles action. Vid Maric won the third place playoff with a win over SWAC rival Alabama A&M. After dropping his first match in the C Flight, Flo De Setter came all the way back to win the consolation draw in an 8-5 thriller over Tennessee State.

On the women's side of the draw, the doubles team of Melissa Mekic and Diana Cracium won the A Draw Doubles Championship over the doubles team from Jackson State. Cracium then went on in singles play to win the Flight A consolation round in a tough 9-7 match over Bethune-Cookman.

In other singles action, Cleanne Pickel made it all the way to the finals of the Flight B draw before falling in three sets (6-2, 3-6, 7-5) to finish in second place.

FInal Standings
Men
North Carolina Central - 82
ALABAMA STATE - 57
Tennessee State - 52
Xavier (La.) - 49
Alabama A&M - 45
Jackson State - 44
Howard - 34
Alcorn State - 9
Bluefield State - 8
Rust - 1

Final Standings
Women
Jackson State - 122
Alabama A&M - 71
ALABAMA STATE - 53
Howard - 53
Florida A&M - 39
Xavier (La.) - 29
Alcorn State - 23
Tennessee State - 19
Bethune-Cookman - 12
Clark-Atlanta - 8
Bluefield State - 2
Rust - 0