Emporia State Men’s Tennis Opens Spring Season against Kansas Wesleyan
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Emporia State’s experienced men’s tennis team kicks off its spring campaign on Tuesday, February 3rd, against Kansas Wesleyan at the Kossover Family Tennis Complex in emporia, Kansas. The Hornets are looking to build on a successful 2024 season and a strong showing in recent fall competitions.
Hornets Prepare for spring Challenge
An experienced Emporia State men’s tennis team begins the spring portion of their season against the Coyotes. The team is eager to translate their fall performance into success during the competitive spring schedule. Last season, the Hornet men achieved an 11-7 record, making a strong run in the MIAA tournament, reaching the semifinals before falling to Moritz Pieper of Washburn in the championship match.
Further bolstering the team’s performance, Mostafa Elbasnaly secured victories in two matches to reach the round of 16 in the main draw of singles play.He defeated balsa Djokovic of Southern Arkansas 6-2, 6-2 and Moritz Buss of Ouachita Baptist 6-3, 6-0. Luke West also advanced to the round of 16 in the B Draw main stage with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Northeastern State’s Baptiste Linet.The Hornets showcased their doubles prowess as well,advancing three teams to the round of 16 – the most of any school in the tournament.
Coaching Leadership
Leading the Hornets is John Blackburn, now in his third season as head men’s coach and Director of tennis at Emporia State. Blackburn boasts a 21-15 record with the Hornets and brings a wealth of experience from his previous eight seasons at NCAA Division III Methodist University, where he achieved a 117-58 overall record and multiple conference championships.
Key Players to Watch
The Hornet roster features nine returners, including senior Anton Sarunic, who finished last season ranked #24 nationally in NCAA Division II singles. The doubles team of graduate student Gwendal Mazuay and sophomore Alexis Mattenberger also concluded last season with a national ranking of #45 in D2 doubles play. These key players are expected to provide important leadership and skill throughout the season.
Preseason Ranking and Expectations
Emporia State was slated second in the North Division of the MIAA/GAC Preseason Poll, representing the highest preseason ranking in programme history. The Hornets trail only washburn, last year’s national runners-up, in the conference coaches’ poll.
Scouting the Opponent: Kansas Wesleyan
Kansas Wesleyan enters the contest making their 2026 debut. The Coyotes finished last season with an 8-12 record and a 6-6 mark in the KCAC. They are led by graduate student Alex Sherer,who returns after a hiatus,having previously recorded a 15-10 record in 2024.
Past Matchup
The Hornets hold a 2-0 advantage in the series against Kansas Wesleyan, having last defeated the Coyotes 8-1 on September 29, 2015, in Salina, Kansas.
Looking Ahead
Following the match against kansas Wesleyan, Emporia State will host Seward County Community College in an exhibition match on Sunday, February 8th, before resuming regular season action at William Jewell on Friday, February 13th, in Liberty, Missouri.
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