GENEVA, N.Y. – The College of New Jersey men's tennis team closed out competition at the ITA Northeast Regional Tournament Sunday. Matthew Michibata advanced to the finals in singles play, which qualifies him for the ITA Cup next month in Rome, Ga.
 
Michibata becomes the first Lion to advance to the national tournament since 2007 when current assistant coach Mike Klimchak won the regional tournament. He will earn All-America honors with a first round victory at the ITA Cup.
 
The ITA Cup hosted by Berry College begins Oct. 17.
 
Matthew Michibata
 
Michibata opened play Sunday in the semi-finals against defending regional champion Alan Dubrovsky of Hobart. Michibata topped the number one seed in straight sets, winning 6-4, 6-4. In the final, Michibata faced Sebastian Castillo-Sanchez of RPI. Castillo-Sanchez did not drop a set in the entire tournament. He defeated Michibata 6-3, 6-4.