ROME, Ga. — After a historic championship run at the ITA NAIA Central-East Regional, Missouri Baptist University's top doubles team of Sebastian Junghanns and Luca da Silva Ebenriter will represent the Spartans on the national stage this week at the 2025 ITA Cup, held Oct. 16–19 at Berry College in Rome, Georgia.
The MBU duo will compete in the NAIA doubles draw, which features the top regional champions from across the country. The ITA Cup serves as the fall national championship for collegiate tennis and brings together the best small-college competitors in the nation.
From Regional Champions to National Qualifiers
Two weeks ago in Worcester, Ind., Junghanns and Ebenriter made program history by capturing the ITA NAIA Central-East Regional Doubles Championship. The Spartans' top-seeded tandem earned a commanding 6-1, 7-5 victory over Ching Wah Wai and Luca McManus of Holy Cross College in the championship match to clinch their automatic berth to Georgia.
"The guys are very excited about this opportunity," said head coach Scott Goodyear. "They are confident going into the ITA Cup as they have a 23-5 record since being together last spring. They know they are difficult to play against and have high expectations."
The Field Ahead
The NAIA doubles draw includes regional champions from across the country, with Junghanns and Ebenriter set for a Round of 16 matchup against Hugo Abril and Lennert Lemahieu of Arizona Christian University. The field features several of the nation's elite NAIA pairs, all vying for a national title in Rome.
Junghanns and Ebenriter enter the event with impressive resumes and strong chemistry, having developed into one of the most consistent and dynamic teams in the Heart of America Conference. Their balance of power and precision has made them a force on the court this fall.
What's at Stake
A deep run in Rome would cap a milestone fall campaign and put MBU on the national doubles map. Success at the ITA Cup could also bolster the Spartans' national ranking heading into the spring championship season and set the tone for another standout year in Spartan tennis.
Where to Follow
Competition begins Thursday, Oct. 16, at 1:30 p.m. EDT at the Rome Tennis Center in Rome, Ga. Fans can follow the draws and results here.
Quick Facts
Event: 2025 ITA Cup – NAIA Doubles Draw
Dates: Oct. 16–19, 2025
Location: Berry College – Rome Tennis Center (Rome, Ga.)
MBU Competitors: Sebastian Junghanns & Luca da Silva Ebenriter
Qualification: 2025 ITA NAIA Central-East Regional Doubles Champions
Head Coach: Scott Goodyear
