The Howard University tennis programs are gearing up for a busy Easter weekend, with the men’s and women’s teams set to compete in three Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) matches across two states. The action begins Thursday in Baltimore, Maryland, against Loyola University Maryland, followed by a Friday contest for the women against Delaware State University at the Takoma Park Tennis Courts. This stretch of games represents a crucial point in the season for both Bison squads, particularly as the women’s team looks to build on recent momentum and the men’s team seeks its first win.
For the Howard women (3-9, 2-1 MEAC), the weekend presents an opportunity to continue their positive trajectory following a 4-3 victory over reigning MEAC champion South Carolina State on March 30th. That win, a significant upset, demonstrated the team’s potential and resilience. Freshman Franchesca Brown of Atlanta has quickly turn into a key player, boasting a 7-5 singles record, including a 2-1 mark within the conference. Leading the charge in singles play is third-year Bison Imani Jean, a Brooklyn, New York native. The duo of Brown and junior Lauren Oliver have similarly found success, currently riding a four-match win streak in doubles competition.
The men’s team (0-9) faces a different challenge. Still searching for their first victory of the season, the nonconference matchup against Loyola (Md.) is viewed as a valuable opportunity to gain experience and build confidence. Sophomore Kamran McIntosh-Ross, from Atlanta, currently leads the Bison with a pair of singles victories. Junior Michael Major Jr of Nassau, Bahamas, anchors the team as the top singles player, and alongside McIntosh-Ross, forms the Bison’s leading doubles team. The team will require to translate that individual performance into collective success.
Loyola (Md.) Looks for Redemption
The Loyola University Maryland women’s tennis team (2-8) enters Thursday’s match against Howard seeking to rebound from a recent loss and avenge a narrow 4-3 defeat at the hands of the Bison a year ago. The Greyhounds will be looking to capitalize on home-court advantage in their attempt to even the series. Details regarding Loyola’s individual player statistics and team strategy were not immediately available as of Wednesday afternoon.
The Loyola men’s team (1-11) also aims to break a losing streak against Howard, having not defeated the Bison since the 2021 season. They are currently on a four-match skid against Howard, and will be hoping to change their fortunes on their home courts. Like their female counterparts, specific details about the Loyola men’s team’s lineup and approach were not readily accessible.
Delaware State Presents MEAC Challenge
Friday’s contest for the Howard women against Delaware State (2-9, 1-2 MEAC) marks a return to conference play. The Hornets are coming off a victory against South Carolina State, which will likely provide a boost in morale as they prepare to face the Bison at the Takoma Park Tennis Courts. The MEAC standings are competitive, and every conference win is crucial for positioning in the upcoming tournament.
The MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) was founded in 1970 and includes historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across the eastern United States. The conference website provides updated standings, schedules, and news for all MEAC sports.
Following the Action
Fans can follow Thursday’s matches against Loyola (Md.) via live video. Updates and results from Friday’s match against Delaware State will be posted on the Howard University Athletics website, www.hubison.com. The Bison will then travel to Baltimore again on Wednesday, April 8th, for a showdown against Coppin State.
The Howard tennis teams’ Easter weekend schedule represents a significant test as they navigate the challenges of the MEAC season. The women’s team will aim to maintain their momentum, while the men’s team will strive for that elusive first victory. The outcomes of these matches will undoubtedly shape their respective positions within the conference standings as the season progresses.
For the latest information on Howard University Athletics, including schedules, results, and news, visit www.hubison.com. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and support for the Bison tennis programs in the comments below.
