RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Northern Arizona University men's tennis team captured its first win of the season over UC Riverside this afternoon, Feb. 20. With a final score of 5-2, the Lumberjacks move to 1-6 this year and will face Western New Mexico tomorrow (Feb. 21) in their home opener. Sunday's match will also mark the first of many to be played in NAU Tennis' brand new Aquatic and Tennis Center.

"It feels great to get a win under our belt," Head Coach Ki Kroll commented. "The guys fought hard today and everyone is looking forward to playing at home in our new indoor facility tomorrow."

After today's match, NAU holds a convincing 7-3 all-time series record against the Highlanders. Getting things started for the 'Jacks was No. 1 doubles pair Tim Handel and Ruben Montano who took down Julian Ruffin and Sean Yun 6-4. At court two, and sealing the doubles point for NAU, was Eden Peleg and Lucas Taylor who ousted Kyle McCann and Jack Felich in a close 7-6(3) finish.

In singles, Handel, Taylor, Peleg and Jackson Lee rounded out Northern Arizona's five points. Handel's 6-3, 6-1 win over UC Riverside's Julian Ruffin marked his first of the 2016 campaign, as he has faced a wealth of talent at line one in his rookie season.  Peleg was the next Lumberjack to walk away victorious on court four after defeating Anderson Ju in straight sets 6-2, 6-2. Peleg is 2-3 so far this season.

Taylor also shined for the Lumberjacks yet again today picking up his second singles victory and clinching the match. He topped Sean Yun, also in straight sets, with a final score of 6-1, 6-3. Lee was the last of the 'Jacks to add a digit to his win column in a nail biter against UC Riverside's Jack Felich at line six.

Northern Arizona will finally return to Flagstaff for the highly anticipated home opener in its new indoor facility. Match time is set for 1 p.m. MST and admission is free for all who attend.

Results

Doubles

1. Tim Handel/Ruben Montano (NAU) def. Julian Ruffin/Sean Yun (UCR) 6-4
2. Eden Peleg/Lucas Taylor (NAU) def. Kyle McCann/Jack Felich (UCR) 7-6(3)
3. Hans Baumstark/Anderson Ju (UCR) def. Thomas Fisher/Jackson Lee (NAU) 6-3

Order of Finish: 3, 1, 2

Singles

1. Tim Handel (NAU) def. Julian Ruffin (UCR) 6-3, 6-1
2. Lucas Taylor (NAU) def. Sean Yun (UCR) 6-1, 6-3
3. Kyle McCann (UCR) def. Ruben Montano (NAU) 6-2, 6-7(3) (10-2)
4. Eden Peleg (NAU) def. Anderson Ju (UCR) 6-2, 6-2
5. Hans Baumstard (UCR) def. Thomas Fisher (NAU) 7-5, 6-1
6. Jackson Lee (NAU) def. Jack Felich (UCR) 6-4, 4-6, (10-8)

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