The No. 9 Kenyon men’s tennis team, having closed out regular season play, looked to launch a competitive run in the postseason and secure an NCAC Championship. On Saturday, the Owls defeated Oberlin College. However, No. 3. Denison University dominated on Sunday to secure the title of NCAC Champion.
The Owls managed a commanding start to the weekend, taking early control in the matchup against Oberlin as the top of Kenyon’s lineup was hugely successful on Saturday. On the No. 1 singles court, Maximo Llamas Castellanos ’29 secured a quick victory and finished the matchup with a double bagel. Llamas Castellanos’ win jump-started the Owls’ energy, which carried them throughout their decisive semifinal win. Paulo Pocasangre Kreling ’26 also sped toward an impressive start against his opponent, overpowering the competition to come away with a 6-3, 6-1 victory.
No. 2 and No. 3 doubles were also successful, shutting down Oberlin’s attacking attempts and maintaining a consistent onslaught of power to launch the Owls toward victory. The No. 2 doubles pair of Pocasangre Kreling and Jay Kedar Dixit ’27 and the No. 3 court’s Alejandro Gonzalez ’27 and Eliezer Gonzalez ’26 both won their matches 6-2.
However, Kenyon could not sustain its momentum from Saturday, and the Owls were swept by Denison’s formidable offensive talent on Sunday. The first three singles matches of the day ended in straight-set victories for the Big Red. On the No. 3 singles court, Pocasangre Kreling fought hard, but was bested by his Denison opponent and lost in straight sets by a score of 6-2, 6-2. In No. 2 singles, Alejandro Gonzalez put up an impressive fight against his opponent, but he was unable to earn a set and fell 6-4, 6-3. Dixit lost his match as well, with a score of 6-3, 6-2.
Llamas Castellanos had a promising start to his match and was up after taking the first set 7-5. However, he was unable to finish his match, as Kenyon fell early. The Owls had a similar fate in doubles play, losing their matches in a decisive manner.
In hopes of continuing its season, Kenyon will aim for an at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament.