Morgan State Tennis Battles Tough Drexel Squad in Season Opener

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (Jan. 28, 2026) -- The Morgan State University men's tennis team faced a tough challenge to kick off their 2026 season, taking on the host Drexel Dragons in a non-conference match on Wednesday morning. Despite a valiant effort, the Bears would ultimately fall to the Dragons by a final score of 7-0 at the Vidas Courts on the Drexel campus.

This season-opening matchup between the Bears and Dragons featured talented student-athletes from two respected academic institutions. While Morgan State University is a premier Historically Black College and University (HBCU) located in Baltimore, Maryland, Drexel University is a private research university based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Although the final result didn't go their way, the Morgan State Bears demonstrated the grit and determination that HBCU sports programs are known for. The team fought hard against their opponents, pushing Drexel to the limit in several closely contested matches. This loss serves as a valuable learning experience for the Bears as they look to build momentum and establish their identity over the course of the 2026 season.

Leading the way for Morgan State were sophomores Jamal Johnson and Tyrone Williams, who put up a strong fight in their respective singles matches.

Despite the final outcome, the Morgan State men's tennis team can take pride in their competitive performance against a talented Drexel squad. As they move forward in the 2026 season, the Bears will look to build upon this experience and continue to showcase the excellence that defines HBCU athletic programs.

"Our players gave it their all today, and I'm proud of their effort against a strong Drexel team," said Head Coach Latisha Williams. "This is just the first step in what we believe will be a successful season for Morgan State tennis. We'll learn from this experience and come back even stronger."

HBCUConnect's Perspective: This early-season matchup between Morgan State and Drexel serves as a reminder of the important role that HBCU athletic programs play in the broader landscape of collegiate sports. While the Bears may have come up short on the scoreboard, their performance on the court showcased the resilience, determination, and competitive spirit that are hallmarks of HBCU student-athletes. As the Morgan State men's tennis team looks to build on this experience, the HBCU community will undoubtedly rally behind them, recognizing the significance of their efforts and the lasting impact they can have on the sport.

Originally reported by MEAC Sports.