Flames Draw No. 3 seed for ITA Kickoff Weekend at Ohio State
6/18/2026 4:37:00 PM | Men's Tennis
LYNCHBURG, Va. – The No. 3 seed Liberty men's tennis team will take on No. 2 seed (No. 52 overall) Charlotte in the early portion of the 2027 spring season for ITA Kickoff weekend on Jan. 23, 24. They are joined by No. 1 seed (No. 5 overall) Ohio State and No. 4 seed (No. 78 overall) Dartmouth in Columbus, Ohio, for the prestigious event.
"It is an honor and awesome opportunity to represent Liberty at ITA National Kickoff Weekend," said Liberty head coach Derek Schwandt. "We love testing our team against the nation's best, and we expect a challenge every time we step on the court with our schedule."
The Flames return to the event after two years, last participating in 2025. The team competed in the event over three consecutive seasons from 2021-23. The team picked up its first-ever victory at the event with a 4-1 triumph over Pacific in its most recent appearance.
Liberty is set to compete in the prestigious event for the fifth time in program history. In its previous five appearances, the squad has faced challenges, including Texas and Arizona (2021), Duke and LSU (2022), Kentucky and Washington (2023), and Michigan State (2025).
The ITA Kickoff Weekend consists of 14 host sites, with four teams competing at each site. The victors of the two matches on Jan. 22 in each draw will meet in the championship match on Jan. 24, while the other two squads will battle in a consolation contest. The winner at each site will advance to the 52nd Annual ITA Division I Men's Team Indoor Championship, held Feb. 17-20, hosted by Clemson and South Carolina in S.C. The Tigers and Gamecocks will automatically be in the 16-team field as the host site schools.
The Flames are 5-4 all-time against Charlotte. The two programs met last season with the 49ers taking a 6-1 triumph. Depending on the results of the first match, the Flames will take on the corresponding result of Ohio State and Dartmouth.
Liberty has a chance to take on Ohio State for the first time in program history. Ohio State took home the 2024 ITA National Indoor Championship title for the third time in program history. They were also champions in 2014 and 2019. The Buckeyes have reached at least the Final Four of the NCAA Men's Tennis Championship in four of the past eight seasons.
Liberty could also face Dartmouth in the second round of the event. The Flames are an even 1-1 all-time against the Big Green. The two most recently met in 2025, with Dartmouth taking a 5-2 triumph at home.
"It is an honor and awesome opportunity to represent Liberty at ITA National Kickoff Weekend," said Liberty head coach Derek Schwandt. "We love testing our team against the nation's best, and we expect a challenge every time we step on the court with our schedule."
The Flames return to the event after two years, last participating in 2025. The team competed in the event over three consecutive seasons from 2021-23. The team picked up its first-ever victory at the event with a 4-1 triumph over Pacific in its most recent appearance.
Liberty is set to compete in the prestigious event for the fifth time in program history. In its previous five appearances, the squad has faced challenges, including Texas and Arizona (2021), Duke and LSU (2022), Kentucky and Washington (2023), and Michigan State (2025).
The ITA Kickoff Weekend consists of 14 host sites, with four teams competing at each site. The victors of the two matches on Jan. 22 in each draw will meet in the championship match on Jan. 24, while the other two squads will battle in a consolation contest. The winner at each site will advance to the 52nd Annual ITA Division I Men's Team Indoor Championship, held Feb. 17-20, hosted by Clemson and South Carolina in S.C. The Tigers and Gamecocks will automatically be in the 16-team field as the host site schools.
The Flames are 5-4 all-time against Charlotte. The two programs met last season with the 49ers taking a 6-1 triumph. Depending on the results of the first match, the Flames will take on the corresponding result of Ohio State and Dartmouth.
Liberty has a chance to take on Ohio State for the first time in program history. Ohio State took home the 2024 ITA National Indoor Championship title for the third time in program history. They were also champions in 2014 and 2019. The Buckeyes have reached at least the Final Four of the NCAA Men's Tennis Championship in four of the past eight seasons.
Liberty could also face Dartmouth in the second round of the event. The Flames are an even 1-1 all-time against the Big Green. The two most recently met in 2025, with Dartmouth taking a 5-2 triumph at home.
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