MIU men’s tennis opened its fall 2026 season this weekend at the Emporia State University George Milton Chicken Dinner Invitational, held September 5-6 at the Kossover Family Tennis Center.

The tournament marked the first competition of the fall season for the MIU men’s tennis program, as the Pioneers competed against Bethel College, the University of Saint Mary and host Emporia State University.

MIU finished the tournament with 18 singles victories and 9 losses, while the Pioneers recorded 5 doubles wins and 8 losses.

The Pioneers made an immediate impact on the opening day, posting a 14-6 record in singles play and going 5-1 in doubles.

Several MIU players advanced deep into their respective flights. 

Katlego Regeong advanced to the Flight 4 championship match, while Juan Ignacio Luccione and Renzo Gianzanti reached the Flight 5 championship matches. Jeronimo Arango Restrepo and Ignacio Romero also advanced to compete for third place in their respective flights.

Katlego Regeong was the only Pioneer to win all three of his singles matches on the opening day, including a thrilling semifinal victory over Emporia State’s Evan Goates, 3-6, 6-4, (11-9), to earn a spot in the championship match.

For Regeong, the tournament represented an important milestone — his first collegiate tennis tournament.

“The conditions are different, and I am still adjusting,” Regeong said. “There were some points I couldn’t make through. During the matches, there were mixed emotions — some moments I was angry, and some moments I was happy. It boosted my confidence. It is a dream come true. College tennis is a dream.”

Regeong’s performance also drew recognition from the Botswana National Tennis Association, which celebrated his collegiate debut and his run to the championship match.

The Pioneers continued competition on Sunday, completing the final rounds of singles before competing in two rounds of doubles.

Following the opening day, MIU head coach Eric Sturgis expressed his pride in the team’s performance and the significance of the weekend for the developing program.

“I am extremely happy and proud of the way our whole team competed and represented MIU today,” he said. “MIU tennis is on the map.”

The Emporia State tournament provided the Pioneers with their first opportunity to compete together in the 2026 fall season and offered valuable experience against three collegiate programs.

With the opening tournament now complete, MIU men’s tennis will look to build on its strong start as the Pioneers continue their inaugural fall season. The Pioneers will return to action on September 12 at Central College.

Maria Eduarda Rodrigues da Silva, sports editor for MIU News and the Sports Information and Creative Director for the MIU Athletics Department.