NORFOLK, Va. — The Norfolk State men's tennis team opened its 2026 season with a narrow 4-3 loss to cross-town rival Old Dominion on Friday afternoon at the Folkes-Stevens Indoor Tennis Center.

The Monarchs secured the early advantage by claiming victories at doubles No. 1 and No. 3 to take a 1-0 lead entering singles play.

Norfolk State responded with strong individual performances, as the teams split the six singles matches, three apiece, but Old Dominion ultimately edged the Spartans to secure the match win.

At the top of the lineup, Patryk Kowal earned a hard-fought victory at No. 1 singles, defeating ODU sophomore Jean-Karim Olivier de Sardan in three sets, 7-6, 4-6, 10-8.

Marcin Andrzejczak added another point for the Spartans at No. 2 singles, taking down freshman Zech Hamrouni in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4.

The final Norfolk State point came from Marcin Dojczynski at No. 6 singles, who outlasted junior Thomas Nelson in a three-set thriller, 6-4, 4-6, 10-8.

Szymon Malecki competed at No. 3 singles but fell to Felix Obermair, 6-3, 6-3.

UP NEXT
The Spartans return to action on February 22 when they host Hampton at the Warren Tennis Center in Norfolk, Va.