Trojans Fall to Top-Seeded Catawba in NCAA Southeast Regional Opener

SALISBURY – The University of Mount Olive men's tennis team closed out its 2026 campaign Monday morning with a hard-fought 4-1 loss to regional top seed and nationally-ranked Catawba in the opening round of the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional at the Johnson Tennis Center.

The eighth-seeded regionally ranked Trojans finished the season with a 14-6 overall record after earning their third NCAA Tournament appearance in program history and first since 2024. Mount Olive entered postseason play after capturing the Conference Carolinas regular season championship with a perfect 11-0 league record under Conference Carolinas Coach of the Year Andrew Sendek.

Facing the nation's No. 7-ranked team, Mount Olive opened the match with a strong performance in doubles play to secure the opening point against the Indians. Philip Peter Carstensen and Luke Oosthuizen led the way at No. 2 doubles with a dominant 6-0 victory, while Hiroma Nishikata and Niklas Gruenefeldt clinched the doubles point with a 6-3 win at the No. 3 position.

Meanwhile, the No. 1 doubles matchup featuring Kristoffer Dalbak and Bram Poel against Catawba's No. 18 nationally-ranked tandem of Agustin Mastri and Luca Bergonzi remained tied at 5-5 when the Trojans officially claimed the point.

Carrying momentum into singles play, Mount Olive continued to battle the top-seeded Indians throughout the match. However, Catawba responded by winning four completed singles contests to earn the regional victory.

The NCAA Tournament appearance capped another successful season for the Trojans, who were led throughout the year by Conference Carolinas Freshman of the Year Rasmus Grindheim and several all-conference performers. Mount Olive continued its recent postseason success by returning to NCAA regional competition for the second time in the last three seasons while pushing one of the nation's top programs in postseason play.

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Players Mentioned

Niklas Gruenefeldt: 6' 4"; Sophomore

Bram Poel: 6' 2"; Sophomore

Kristoffer Dalbak: 5' 8"; Freshman

Philip Peter Carstensen: 6' 2"; Senior

Hiroma Nishikata: 5' 9"; Sophomore

Luke Oosthuizen: 6' 0"; Sophomore

Rasmus Grindheim: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Niklas Gruenefeldt
: 6' 4"; Sophomore

Bram Poel
: 6' 2"; Sophomore

Kristoffer Dalbak
: 5' 8"; Freshman

Philip Peter Carstensen
: 6' 2"; Senior

Hiroma Nishikata
: 5' 9"; Sophomore

Luke Oosthuizen
: 6' 0"; Sophomore

Rasmus Grindheim
: Freshman