LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Carroll University men's tennis team opened its 2026-27 dual-match season on Sunday afternoon, falling 7-0 to a strong University of Wisconsin-La Crosse squad. Despite the final score, the Pioneers battled throughout the lineup and pushed the Eagles in several tightly contested matches. 

Carroll's closest opportunities came in singles play, where both Carl Sandelin and Carl Oback took their matches to decisive third sets. Sandelin claimed the opening set at No. 1 singles before dropping a marathon tiebreak in the third set, 6-2, 5-7, 6-7. Oback also earned a first-set victory at No. 3 singles and forced a deciding set before narrowly falling 6-4, 3-6, 6-7. Those two matches highlighted the competitive effort displayed by the Pioneers against a team that has consistently been among the WIAC's top programs. 

In doubles action, Carroll picked up a victory at the No. 2 position. The pairing of Nate Christensen and Carl Sandelin secured a 7-5 win to give the Pioneers an early bright spot. The No. 1 team of Carl Oback and Ulrik Gellein battled throughout a 6-3 setback, while the No. 3 duo of Lincoln Gates and Carson Leighton dropped a competitive 6-4 decision. 

Carroll will now turn its attention to the ITA Midwest Regional, scheduled for Oct. 2-5 in St. Peter, Minnesota. The tournament will provide another opportunity for the Pioneers to compete against many of the top players and programs from across the region as the men close their fall season.