NEWARK, NJ – The NJIT men's tennis team has concluded its fall slate of matches, wrapping up a challenging schedule facing numerous big opponents as well as competing in some of the country's best tournaments.

The Highlanders competed in invitationals hosted by Hofstra, Yale, Saint Joseph's and Drexel as well as competing in the ITA All-American national tournaments.

"Overall, we saw some success this fall at some of our tournaments, and it was really good to see the younger guys do well and start to develop the right way,"  Head coach Marco Matteucci said about the fall season, "The fall always has its ups and downs because we see so much individual play, so I am really looking forward to the spring when we have the guys playing as a team all at once and see the group thrive together all at the same time."

Senior Wil Jenkins had himself a strong start to the fall season competing as the only Highlander at the ITA All-American in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Competing in the pre-qualifying draw of the ITA All-American Championships, Jenkins defeated two players from nationally ranked SEC programs, including teams from Kentucky and Arkansas, who were ranked No. 29 and No. 43 in the country last season, respectively. His strong performance marked a comeback after an injury-plagued 2024 season.

"Wil had two great wins this season at the all-American to start off his senior year coming back from an injury that saw him play very little last year." Matteucci said on Jenkin's performance.

Sophomore duo of Soma Fukuhara and Maxime Hankins had an impressive start to their fall season most notably at the Saint Joseph's Invitational. Fukuhara advanced to the final of the Hawk Draw, the tournament's top-flight singles bracket, and teammate Maxime Hankins also impressed, reaching the semifinals of the Crimson Draw.

In doubles action, the pair of Fukuhara and Hankins continued their success, advancing to the semifinals in the top doubles draw, capping off a solid tournament for the duo.

"Soma also had a good fall and was able to raise his level from last year both in singles and in doubles and has improved a lot," Matteucci stated on Fukuhara's fall and added about Hankins fall as well saying, "Maxime, went home over the summer, competed well, worked hard and had a great fall, and made a great run at the ITA Regional tournament, I'm very happy with his level and mindset he has returned with."

The Highlanders now look ahead to the spring season where they open the year with seven straight home matches starting off with FDU right here in Newark at The Naimoli Family Athletic and Recreational Facility on Saturday, January 31^st.