IRVINE, Calif. – The Northern Arizona University men's tennis team dropped its sixth match of the 2016 campaign against a tough UC Irvine squad this afternoon, Feb. 19. With a final score of 7-0, the Anteaters move to 6-3 this season and remain undefeated on their home courts. Although UC Irvine recently dropped out of the national rankings, they landed at No. 70 earlier this month.

"It was a rough day for us," Head Coach Ki Kroll said. "We'll have to refocus tomorrow (Feb. 20) against UC Riverside and continue to improve our energy."

After today's match, the Anteaters hold on to a perfect 5-0 all-time series record against the Lumberjacks. With players like Sebastian Heim, the reigning 2015 Big West Conference Player of the Year in his rookie season, it is to no surprise. Freshman Tim Handel faced No. 67 Heim- who has yet to lose a singles match this year- at line one but would fall 6-3, 6-2.

The 'Jacks also shook things up in the starting lineup as Lucas Taylor, coming off a phenomenal weekend at University of Arizona, was put to the test at No. 2 singles for the first time this season. Northern Arizona looks to bounce back against UC Riverside tomorrow, Feb. 20 at 1 p.m. MST.

Results

Doubles

1. Justin Agbayani/Jonathan Poon (UCI) def. Tim Handel/Ruben Montano (NAU) 6-2
2. Sebastian Heim/Nico Mertens (UCI) vs. Lucas Taylor/Eden Peleg (NAU) 5-3, unfinished
3. Tyler Pham/Jonathan Hammel (UC) def. Jackson Lee/Thomas Fisher (NAU) 6-3

Order of Finish: 1, 3

Singles

1. #67 Sebastian Heim (UCI) def. Tim Handel (NAU) 6-3, 6-2
2. Nico Mertens (UCI) def. Lucas Taylor (NAU) 6-0, ret
3. Tyler Pham (UCI) def. Ruben Montano (NAU) 6-2, 7-5
4. Luca Marquard (UCI) def. Eden Peleg (NAU) 7-5, 6-1
5. Vatsal Bajpai (UCI) def. Thomas Fisher (NAU) 6-4, 6-4
6. Jon Hammel (UCI) def. Jackson Lee (NAU) 6-4, 1-6, 1-6

Order of Finish: 2, 5, 1, 4, 6, 3