Orlando Earns First Career Win as Head Coach of the Men’s Tennis Program

Saturday, January 17

Muncie, Ind.

12 pm

Ball State University

Xavier University

Orlando Earns First Career Win as Head Coach of the Men’s Tennis Program

January 17, 2026 | Men's Tennis

Final Results

MUNCIE, Ind. - Under the guidance of first-year head coach Gene Orlando, the Cardinals (1-1) were able to claim a 5-2 victory over Xavier (0-1) Saturday afternoon at the First Serve Facility. The win was highlighted by senior Broc Fletcher, who delivered the decisive match point in a high-stakes singles performance.

"Great win for the Cardinals today," Orlando said. "We played with great energy and purpose in our doubles and singles. I was happy to see the team's hard work pay off in a gutty win."

Ball State set the tone early by clinching the doubles point, with the brotherly duo of Drew and Nolan Hayward earning a 6-3 defeat over the Musketeer's No. 2 twosome of Nick Herdoiza and Samuel Frizelle. The doubles point came down to the No. 3 spot which saw Fletcher and Lancaster falling behind early but fighting their way back to take the 6-3 victory over Andrew Spruce and Kyle Totorica.

The momentum shifted in Ball State's favor during the singles competition, where junior Drew Hayward delivered the spark the Cardinals needed, competing at the No. 3 singles position, Hayward was the first match off the court with a win, dispatching his opponent in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3. His victory not only gave the Cardinals their first singles point of the afternoon but also set a dominant tone for the remaining matches.

Following Drew Hayward was newcomer Andrei Caragea as he took down Frizelle at the No. 2 slot by a 6-1, 7-5 decision. With the Cardinals only needing one more point to take the match, Fletcher came through winning an exciting first frame tiebreaker 7-6 (7-0) and then went on to dominate the second set 6-3, claiming match point for BSU.

Rounding out today's singles victories was Zackary Kimelman who completed his three-set thrilling comeback at position No. 6 versus Totorica, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

The Ball State men's tennis team remains home next Saturday, Jan. 24, as the Cardinals host a double-header against Bellarmine (12 pm ET) and IU East (4 pm ET) at the First Serve Facility.