FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Big Sky Conference action will continue for the Northern Arizona men's tennis team this weekend against Idaho and Eastern Washington.
The Lumberjacks, who are currently 3-6 overall and 1-0 in conference, have competed in just one Big Sky match so far this season where they defeated Portland State 6-1 in Oregon. The 'Jacks other two victories came against New Mexico and UC Riverside.
Northern Arizona will compete against Idaho Friday, March 9 before traveling to Cheney to face Eastern Washington the following day. Match time against the Vandals is set for 12:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m. MST) and against the Eagles at 1 p.m. (2:00 p.m. MST).
The 'Jacks are just three matches away from their home opener against North Dakota March 17 after competing in nine road competitions so far this season.
Highlight Reel
- Junior Tim Handel was the first Lumberjack to notch an Athlete of the Week honor this season on Feb. 28.
- Last season the Lumberjacks finished on top as the 2017 Big Sky Regular Season champions for the first time in 35 years after recording a 15-8 overall record and 10-1 conference mark.
Weekend Scout
Idaho
Friday, March 9| 12:30 p.m.
Memorial Gym Courts | Moscow, Idaho
The Idaho Vandals are currently 3-3 overall, with all three wins against Big Sky opponents. The Vandals defeated North Dakota, Northern Colorado and Weber State each with 6-1 scores. Most recently the Vandals' scheduled matches against Montana State and Montana were postponed to a later date due to weather. Idaho will host a double header this weekend on Friday, March 9 first against Northern Arizona at 12:30 p.m. and then against Portland State at 6:30 p.m. The last time the Vandals and Lumberjacks matched up was last season where the 'Jacks came out victorious with a close 4-3 win. The nine-man roster is led by head coach Abid Akbar who is in his third season with the Vandals.
Eastern Washington
Saturday, March 10 | 1 p.m.
Eagles Tennis Courts | Cheney, Wash.
The Eastern Washington Eagles are 6-5 overall and 2-2 in the Big Sky looking into this weekend against Northern Arizona and Portland State. The Eagles will host the Lumberjacks Saturday, March 10 and the Vikings Sunday, March 11. Eastern Washington is currently undefeated at home at 4-0 with wins over Seattle University, Whitworth, Montana State and Weber State. The Eagles are coming off of two losses against Sacramento State 6-1 and Nevada 7-0. Last time Northern Arizona and Eastern Washington went head to head the Lumberjacks shut out the Eagles 7-0 at home. The nine-man roster is comprised of five upperclassmen led by head coach Steve Clark who is in his fourth season with the Eagles.
Coming Up
Northern Arizona will compete in three matches this upcoming week against Marquette, North Dakota and Northern Colorado. The Lumberjacks will start the week on Thursday, March 15 in Las Vegas against Marquette. The match is set for 11 a.m. The 'Jacks will then host for the first time this season March 17 against North Dakota and March 18 against Northern Colorado. Both matches will be played in the Aquatic and Tennis Complex with 10 a.m. start times.
