Belton, Texas – East Texas Baptist claimed the 2026 ASC Men’s Tennis Championship, defeating Mary Hardin-Baylor 4-3 in the championship match to secure back-to-back conference tournament titles. ETBU entered the tournament as the No. 2 seed and advanced to the final after a 4-2 semifinal win over Hardin-Simmons in Dallas. Tommy Heim has led the Tigers to a12-7 overall and 2-1 conference play record in his first year at ETBU.

The Tigers opened the match by claiming the doubles point, earning wins at No. 1 and No. 3 doubles. Max Karseno and Sam Black secured a 6-4 victory at the top position, while Baptiste Berthier and Jacob Daniell followed with a 6-4 win at No. 3 doubles to give ETBU the early 1-0 advantage. UMHB’s Kell Castleberry and Vince Rivas picked up a 6-2 win at No. 2 doubles for the Cru’s lone doubles victory.

Singles play proved just as competitive, with both teams trading points throughout the afternoon. UMHB earned straight-set wins from Arturo Langle at No. 2 singles (7-5, 6-1), Marcus Torres at No. 5 singles (6-2, 6-4), and Kell Castleberry at No. 6 singles (6-2, 6-2). ETBU answered with victories from Sam Black at No. 1 singles, Mark Armbruster at No. 3 singles, and Erick Van Zyl at No. 4 singles, with Van Zyl’s three-set win clinching the championship for the Tigers.

With the victory, East Texas Baptist secured the 2026 ASC Men’s Tennis Championship title and now awaits the NCAA Selection Show on May 4 at 12:00 p.m.

All-Tournament Team
Erick Van Zyl, ETBU, MVP
Mark Armbruster, ETBU
Baptiste Berthier, ETBU
Sam Black, ETBU
Kell Castleberry, UMHB
Gabe Keeney-McCollough, HPU
Arturo Langle, UMHB
Payne Smith, HSU

2026 Men's Tennis Championship