CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - The University of Redlands men's tennis doubles team of Vitomir Petcov (Portland, OR) and MJ Abarca (San Diego, CA) etched their names into Bulldog history this week, earning All-American honors for the first time in their careers after an impressive run at the NCAA Division III Men's Tennis Championships.

Petcov and Abarca delivered one of the tournament's biggest wins in the Round of 16, taking down the top-doubles team from Williams College, the duo of Chen and Volkema, in a thrilling three-set battle. The Redlands pair came out aggressive from the opening serve, capturing the first set 6-3 before weathering a second-set tiebreak loss. Refusing to let momentum slip away, Petcov and Abarca responded with a dominant 6-2 third set win to secure the victory and clinching them All-American status.

They become the first doubles All-Americans in the program since 2019-20 when Brad Cummins and Brysl Libao earned this feat.  Cummins and Libao were also named All-Americans in the 2018-19 season as well when they made it to the NCAA Quarterfinals.   

The win Saturday marked a defining moment for the Bulldogs' top doubles team compiling an 12-7 overall record  Their ability to raise their level on the national stage reflected the hard work and consistency they displayed throughout the season.

In the Quarterfinals, Petcov and Abarca continued to battle against another elite opponent, facing the No. 4-ranked doubles team from Denison University, Green and Shah. The tightly contested match featured momentum swings throughout, with the Bulldogs narrowly dropping the opening-set tiebreak 6-7 (6-8). Petcov and Abarca answered in dramatic fashion by winning the second-set tiebreak 7-6 (7-5) to force a deciding third set. Despite their comeback, the Redlands duo ultimately fell 6-2 in the final set, ending their remarkable tournament run.

Although their season concluded in the NCAA Quarterfinals, Petcov and Abarca leave the tournament as All-Americans and one of the most accomplished doubles teams since Cummins and Libao. Their performances against the nation's best demonstrated the Bulldogs' growing presence on the national stage and provided a memorable finish to an outstanding season.