Men's tennis opens fall season with resounding 7-0 win

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio – Despite a shift in the schedule, the Otterbein University men's tennis team kicked off its 2026 fall campaign in decisive fashion, knocking off John Carroll University by a 7-0 margin.

Despite falling at No. 1 doubles, Otterbein earned the doubles point with victories at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles. The tandem of Ryan Ricciardi and Nikita Kitaev earned a 6-4 win at No. 2 doubles. Devan Patel and Sanjan Shanker followed by claiming a 6-3 victory at No. 3 doubles, giving the Cardinals the edge heading into singles action.

At No. 1 singles, freshman Tyler Thomas dominated with a resounding 6-2, 6-1 win. Shanker grinded out a tough 7-5, 7-5 win at No. 2 singles before Ricciardi added to the Cardinals' wins with a 6-0, 6-1 win in the No. 3 slot.

Senior Jake Chilcote competed at No. 4 singles, winning by a 7-5, 6-3 margin. Kitaev added a 6-2, 6-0 win at No. 5 singles, while freshman Bradyn Woodward completed the wins with a 6-2, 6-1 win in the No. 6 singles match.

Next weekend, the team will split and compete at two different tournaments. Select Cardinals will head to the Big Red Invitational, hosted by Denison, while others will compete at the Wabash Invitational.

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Players Mentioned

Jake Chilcote: Junior

Nikita Kitaev: Junior

Sanjan Shanker: Sophomore

Tyler Thomas: Freshman

Devan Patel: Freshman

Ryan Ricciardi: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Jake Chilcote
: Junior

Nikita Kitaev
: Junior

Sanjan Shanker
: Sophomore

Tyler Thomas
: Freshman

Devan Patel
: Freshman

Ryan Ricciardi
: Freshman