FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — For the second straight match, the Northern Arizona men's tennis team picked up a 7-0 shutout ending their home-opening weekend 2-0 against North Dakota and Northern Colorado.
The Lumberjacks pulled off another dominating performance remaining undefeated at home.
"We are very fortunate to get through two Big Sky wins," Director of Tennis
Ki Kroll said. "It definitely helped our record. This weekend was important, because playing at home is a good advantage for us with a familiar setting and a lot of fan support."
Much like in yesterday's matchup, the Lumberjacks were able to come out on top on every court in doubles clinching the point with two 6-4 scores first from
Felix Schumann and
Ruben Montano and then from
Tim Handel and
Thomas Fisher.
"The energy is really important for us and it was great to see us come out strong," said Kroll.
Montano led going into singles, defeating Northern Colorado's Alex Exsted 6-0, 6-1 to put the 'Jacks up 2-0. Handel then pushed it to a 3-0 lead after overcoming UNC's Connor Finerty 6-1, 6-1.
The Lumberjacks clinched the win at 4-0 over the Bears with
Lucas Taylor's 6-2, 6-3 victory over Kyle Pease.
Fisher and freshman
Chris Steele followed suit defeating their opponents in two sets increasing the lead even further to 6-0.
With just one court remaining, Schumann pulled it together after falling in the first set and winning in the second to help the 'Jacks solidify another victory with his 5-7, 7-6(3), 10-6 win.
"Schumann fought hard in a tough battle," said Kroll. "At the end he pulled himself together, did well and got the result."
The Lumberjacks are now 6-8 overall and 4-1 in the Big Sky with six conference matches remaining before the tournament.
"We are going to continue pushing the energy in order to compete at a high level of tennis throughout the rest of season," said Kroll.
Northern Arizona will have little turn around before competing in Las Vegas, Nev. Tuesday, March 20 against UNLV. The Lumberjacks are set to take on the Rebels at 10 a.m.
