WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University men's tennis team returns to action Thursday afternoon when it travels to Steubenville, Ohio, for a nonconference matchup against Franciscan University. First serve is set for 4 p.m. at Belleview Park.

The Hilltoppers are coming off a strong showing at the Bobcat Challenge hosted by West Virginia Wesleyan, where several players delivered standout performances across multiple singles and doubles flights.

Graduate student Pablo Zubieta led the way with a third-place finish in the A Flight singles, earning a gritty tiebreak win in his opening match. Freshman Ethan Shepard impressed with a fourth-place finish in the B Flight, while sophomore Austin Zgurski advanced to the semifinals in the C Flight before bowing out to the eventual champion.

West Liberty's depth was also on display in the doubles competition. Zubieta and Zgurski reached the B Flight semifinals, and the pair of Ignacio Giurfa and Shepard advanced to the consolation final. Freshmen Aidan Lucas, Chance Brozstek, and Robert Lindsey also gained valuable experience and contributed key wins throughout the weekend.