Men’s, Women’s Tennis Wrap Strong 2024–25 Seasons
Kyle Pehlman | Contributing Writer
The University of Dayton men’s and women’s tennis teams closed out the 2024–25 season with standout victories and strong showings in Atlantic 10 Conference play.
Men’s Tennis: Flyers Flex Depth in Dominant Campaign
The men’s tennis team led by head coach Ryan Meyer put together an impressive season, continuing their momentum from 2023–24.
The men improved their record from 19-9 to 22-4 and their conference record from 4-1 to a perfect 7-0. This year, the squad once again proved its strength and depth, highlighted by a dominant conference performance, which included securing the No. 1 seed for the first time in program history.
The season opened with a 6-1 loss to Purdue, but the Flyers quickly rebounded, defeating Lipscomb 6-1. That win set the tone for a run that included victories over Saint Francis 4-0, Cedarville 7-0 and Northern Kentucky 6-1.
Key contributors included junior Sai Dore, who provided leadership and consistency in singles play. Freshman Brady Hussey and sophomore Kyle McNally also delivered pivotal victories, bolstering the team’s overall performance.
On Feb. 28, Dayton notched two shutout wins in a doubleheader, beating Southern Indiana 4-0 and Thomas More 7-0. That momentum carried through March with additional wins over Omaha 5-2 and Kentucky Wesleyan 7-0.
One of the most competitive matches of the season came against Xavier. The Flyers edged their cross-state rivals 4-3, showing grit in tight singles matchups and securing the doubles point in critical fashion. Notably, the pairing of Hussey and McNally clinched a crucial 6-3 win over Xavier’s duo, contributing to the narrow victory.
Dayton was particularly dominant in A-10 play, earning wins over Duquesne, VCU 4-3, Richmond 4-2, Saint Joseph’s 4-0, St. Bonaventure 4-0, Saint Louis 7-0 and Davidson 4-1. The team’s consistent performance in conference action showcased their ability to rise to the occasion and adapt strategically across different matchups.
The Flyers’ depth across the lineup was key, allowing them to rotate talent effectively and capitalize on doubles points. Their strong play set the foundation for what could be another competitive season in 2025–26 where they will look to win the conference championship.
Women’s Tennis: Steady Growth and a First-Round Victory in the A-10 Championship
The women’s tennis team led by head coach Erica Echko showed resilience and development throughout the 2024–25 season. Despite an early setback against Cleveland State, the Flyers regrouped with convincing wins over Northern Kentucky 6-1, Oakland 4-3 and Eastern Michigan 4-3.
Seniors Laura Greb and Neena Katauskas created a formidable doubles team, securing key victories throughout the season.
Juniors Grace Murphy and Natalie Osiecki led the team in singles play, often facing top-seeded opponents. Junior Montserrat Sierra and freshman Haley Klein also contributed significantly, particularly in doubles matches.
The team made a notable impact in the Atlantic 10 Championship, defeating No. 9-seed George Washington 4-0 in a dominant first-round performance. The win showcased Dayton’s poise in the postseason and marked a highlight of the year for the program.
The Flyers’ regular season wins in the Atlantic 10 included strong showings against Saint Joseph’s 4-0 and St. Bonaventure 4-0. These conference victories reflected the team’s growth and ability to compete under pressure.
Led by a mix of upperclassmen and emerging underclassmen talent, Dayton demonstrated a balanced lineup capable of competing across all six singles positions. Although the Flyers dropped matches to strong opponents such as Butler and Marquette, they showed clear progress over the course of the season.
Looking Ahead
The 2024–25 season offered strong takeaways for both Dayton tennis programs. The men affirmed their position as a top contender in the Atlantic 10, while the women showed their ability to grow, compete and secure big wins when it mattered most.
With rosters featuring experienced returners and promising newcomers, both teams appear poised for continued success in 2025–26. The culture of competitive excellence and team unity remains strong at Dayton, as both programs continue building on successes.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Kyle Pehlman produced this article as part of CMM 397: Flyer News Practicum, a course offered through the Department of Communication at the University of Dayton. In this class, students develop writing skills for journalism and public relations across media platforms, emphasizing clarity, accuracy, and effective information gathering.