Eagles Tennis Opens Fall Play on New Wanda McPhail Courts

An MCC Eagles men's tennis player lunges wide to reach a forehand shot during singles play against Coastal Alabama South. His extended stride and full arm swing show the effort of covering a wide ball.

September 15, 2025

MERIDIAN, Miss. – Meridian Community College tennis has kicked off its fall individual season with excitement both on and off the court. The Eagles hosted their first exhibition matches of the year September 8, squaring off in a doubleheader against Coastal Alabama South and Northwest Mississippi Community College. These contests marked the first-ever matches played on the newly constructed Wanda McPhail Tennis Courts at the Citizens National Bank Sports Complex.

The day was also the debut for first-year Head Coach Tavis Rieger, who saw his team make an early statement on their home surface. Standout performances included Jared Escobar and Daniel Espin, who both went 2-0 in singles and doubles competition. On the women's side, Reine Akombo and Daisi Kukuljan each went undefeated at 2-0 in singles, while Elizabeth Shirley added a singles win against Northwest.

"This was a special day for our program – not just playing on the new courts for the first time, but also showing the kind of talent and fight we have on this roster," said Rieger.

The Eagles then traveled on September 12 to Bevill State Community College for a doubleheader against Bevill State and Freed-Hardeman University. Against Bevill State, Escobar and Espin paired up for an 8-2 doubles win and both went on to earn straight-sets singles victories. Simpson also picked up a singles win in a three-set battle. On the women's side, Akombo and Aleah McMullan scored an 8-4 doubles win, while Shirley and Kukuljan claimed an 8-6 doubles victory. In singles, Akombo, Kukuljan, and McMullan each finished with strong wins.

Later in the day against Freed-Hardeman, Escobar and Espin again shined, blanking their opponents 6-0 in doubles. Escobar won his singles match in three sets, Espin dominated in straight sets, and Simpson added another singles victory. For the Lady Eagles, Akombo and McMullan teamed up for a 6-2 doubles win before Akombo secured a singles victory.

Coach Rieger praised his team's effort in the early exhibitions, noting the importance of gaining experience and showcasing individual results for future four-year opportunities.

Meridian will continue its fall exhibition slate at the ITA Regional Tournament beginning September 24 in Perkinston, Miss.