FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The Northern Arizona University men's tennis team made it three straight wins as they clawed past Air Force University this afternoon, Feb. 27 in the Aquatic and Tennis Complex. With a final score of 4-3, the Lumberjacks move to 3-6 overall and the Falcons drop to 4-6. Freshman Lucas Taylor came up big for the 'Jacks as he was able secure NAU's fourth point on court two.

"We fought hard today," Head Coach Ki Kroll said. "This was a big win over a very strong Air Force team. I'm happy with how hard we competed; Lucas [Taylor] really stepped up for us to clinch the match."

To kick off the afternoon, doubles pair Eden Peleg and Taylor breezed past Jack McCullers and Max Olson 6-1 on court two. Peleg and Lucas remain undefeated this season at 4-0 along with Jackson Lee and Felix Schumann on court three, who moved to 3-0 after today's win. Lee and Schumann secured the doubles point for NAU after topping Andrew Parks and Isaac Perez 6-1.

In singles, Schumann was the first to pick up a victory to give NAU a 2-0 lead. Air Force responded with the next two wins on courts five and three to make it two all, but freshman Tim Handel put the Lumberjacks back out in front after a three set victory versus Lucas Fumagalli. It all came down to Taylor on court two after Lee dropped his match on court six. Taylor, who has had an impressive debut for NAU thus far, rose to the occasion and took down Andrew Parks despite dropping his first set. The freshman holds a 4-1 record at line two.

"It was an action-packed match and a real battle," Kroll noted. "It all came down to Lucas [Taylor] and he was able to pull out the win for us when we were deadlocked at three. All in all, I'm very proud of my guys."

Northern Arizona has a quick turnaround as they face Big Sky foe Montana tomorrow, Feb. 28 in the Aquatic and Tennis Complex. The match is set to begin at 10 a.m.

Results

Doubles

1. Tim Handel/Ruben Montano (NAU) vs. Lucas Fumagalli/Tadhg Collins (AF) 2-4, unfinished
2. Eden Peleg/Lucas Taylor (NAU) def. Jack McCullers/Max Olson (AF) 6-1
3. Jackson Lee/Felix Schumann (NAU) def. Andrew Parks/Isaac Perez (AF) 6-1

Order of Finish: 2, 3

Singles

1. Tim Handel (NAU) def. Lucas Fumagalli (AF) 6-3, 4-6, 6-1
2. Lucas Taylor (NAU) def. Andrew Parks (AF) 3-6, 7-5, 6-2
3. Jack McCullers (AF) def. Eden Peleg (NAU) 6-2, 1-6, 6-4
4. Felix Schumann (NAU) def. Max Olson (AF) 7-6(4), 6-1
5. Isaac Perez (AF) def. Ruben Montano (NAU) 6-4, 7-6(3)
6. Luke Sanderson (AF) def. Jackson Lee (NAU)3-6, 6-2, 6-2

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

*Clinched the match