INDIANAPOLIS - The IU Indianapolis men's tennis team earned their first win of the 2026 season in dramatic fashion on Friday, rallying from a 3–1 deficit to defeat North Dakota, 4–3, at the West Indy Racquet Club.
 
The Jags started the match off with an early doubles point. IU Indianapolis picked up a doubles win at the No. 1 position, as Konner Gunwall and Brandon Pham defeated Leo Galliano and Matsumura, 6-3, while Owen Nguyen and Cameron Kryscio took the No. 2 match at 7-5.
 
The Jaguars then found themselves in an early hole as North Dakota claimed victories at the No. 1, No. 4 and No. 6 singles positions. Facing elimination down 3–1, IU Indianapolis responded with grit and resilience, winning three straight singles matches to secure the comeback victory.
 
The momentum shift began at No. 3 singles, where Eli Mercer battled through a three-set match to defeat Kotaro Matsumura, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5. Konner Gunwall followed with a clutch performance at No. 2, bouncing back after dropping the first set to win a dramatic second-set tiebreak and take the match, 4-6, 7-6, 6-4, tying the team score at 3–3.
 
With the match on the line, Brandon Pham delivered the deciding point at No. 5 singles. Pham edged Walker Valentine in another tightly contested three-setter, 7-6, 3-6, 7-5, sealing the Jaguars' first victory of the season
 
The Jags will next host Toledo, tomorrow, Saturday, January 31. The Rockets and Jaguars are set for a 2:00 PM first serve.