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2026 Men's Tennis Team minus Tam
Gavin Hunter

Men's Tennis Preview: Blue Streaks Looking to Fight in Tough NCAC

| By: JCUSID

JCU returns some solid talent to face a challenging NCAC slate

After reaching the semifinal round of the Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament in the 2025 season and starting off strong in the fall, JCU Men's Tennis is ready to make an impact in the North Coast Athletic Conference.

The Blue Streaks will look to beat the preseason prognostication of eighth place in the NCAC coaches poll. 

Led by Head Coach Torrey McNeal, this year's Blue Streaks fortunately have strong veterans leading the charge. 

Senior captain Anthony Markello – a 2024 and 2025 First Team All-OAC honoree – will be returning for the Blue Streaks and will help lead the team. Looking to make an impact for the Blue Streaks will be senior Philip Gorun, a 2024 2nd Team All-OAC and 2025 Honorable Mention All-OAC honoree. 

"I've gotten to know them quite well," said Coach McNeal about the seniors. "No surprises. They've been through this for three years now, so it's business as usual. They know what the expectations are, ready to compete every day. They do a good job of leading other players. They make it easy."

Playing doubles alongside Markello looks to be first year Jean Davin, an exchange student from Naoma Business School in France. The newcomer is already being entrusted with an important role to step up for the Blue Streaks.

Jack Sigler and Ryan Waugaman are two returning players for the Blue Streaks. The sophomore and junior will be in the mix at the bottom of the lineup, hoping to bring more veteran presence for the newcomers.

Speaking of the new players, besides Davin, transfer Dylan Murlin will be tasked with an important role in both singles and doubles. Toledo native Nathan Tam and Olean, NY native Cavan Boutillette will get the chance to contribute right away as first years, too. 

"We will see as matches progress what their styles turn into," said McNeal. "It is a tough schedule, but we're expecting them to compete hard and rep school well. They will get better by the end of season."

Both Coach McNeal and Assistant Coach Earl Beebe are entering their third seasons with the Blue Streaks, the first as head coach for McNeal. Having succeeded in taking the team all the way to the OAC Tournament last season, they hope to bring their winning style to the NCAC. Sofia Fortuno Ferreira is making an impact this year as a graduate assistant, as well. 

"The focus so far through the winter has been perfecting what we know how to do, minimizing mistakes, and playing smarter tactically," McNeal said. "We want opponents to play outside their comfort zone and put pressure on them to make mistakes."

The Blue Streaks will kick off their season with NCAC play at Kenyon College on February 8. JCU Men's Tennis will travel to Orlando, FL on March 2 for their spring break matches, and will host their first match against DePauw University on March 14. 
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