MJ Abarca named ITA Division III West Region Player to Watch

TEMPE, Ariz. – The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) announced their 2026 NCAA Division III Men's Tennis Regional Awards with the University of Redlands' MJ Abarca (San Diego, CA) winning the West Region Player to Watch award.

Abarca went 9-6 overall as the Bulldogs' primary No. 3 in singles. He was a combined 3-1 at the No. 1 and No. 2 spots. He finished the regular season on a three-match winning streak.

In doubles he combined with Vitomir Petcov (Portland, OR) for an 11-6 record, all at No.1. He also had a 1-0 record with Tyler Pyle (Lake Oswego, OR).

Abarca and Petcov will compete in doubles at the NCAA Division III Individual National Tennis Championships in Chattanooga, Tennessee this week beginning Saturday, May 23.

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Players Mentioned

MJ Abarca: 5' 7"; Junior; (Uh-bark-uh)

Vitomir Petcov: 6' 5"; Sophomore; (Vit-oh-meer) (Pet-kov)

Tyler Pyle: 5' 11"; Senior

Players Mentioned

MJ Abarca
: 5' 7"; Junior; (Uh-bark-uh)

Vitomir Petcov
: 6' 5"; Sophomore; (Vit-oh-meer) (Pet-kov)

Tyler Pyle
: 5' 11"; Senior