STERLING, Ill. - Elmhurst University men's tennis closed out its 2025 season Thursday morning with a hard-fought performance in the CCIW Tournament quarterfinals, falling 4-0 to a strong North Central squad at the Westwood Tennis Center. Despite the final result, the Bluejays showcased their competitive spirit and development throughout a challenging campaign.

Entering the matchup as the No. 8 seed, Elmhurst (1-9) faced the tournament's No. 1 seed in North Central (12-6), a program with a deep and experienced lineup.

In doubles play, Russell Reyes and Emiliano Montenegro-Galarza held their own early in the No. 1 match before ultimately falling 6-1 to the top Cardinal duo. The No. 2 pairing of Caden Sultzbaugh and Isaac Puchalla were battling through a competitive opening game when their match was left unfinished. At No. 3 doubles, Adrian Songco and Roberto Koziol showed hustle and energy before dropping a 6-0 result.

Moving into singles, the Bluejays continued to fight for every point. Reyes took the court at No. 1 singles but came up short, while Montenegro-Galarza faced tough baseline play at the No. 2 spot. Songco, showing flashes of aggressive net play, picked up a game in the first set before falling in straight sets at No. 4. Sultzbaugh's No. 3 singles match was halted partway through, as North Central clinched the team win before the final courts finished play.