NAU Men’s Tennis to Honor Seniors during Season Finale Doubleheader

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Northern Arizona men's tennis seniors Harun Ajanovic, Sebastian Eguez, Felix Schumann and Adi Zilberstein will compete in their season finale double header against Sacramento State and Mesa Community College on Saturday, April 21.
 
The Lumberjacks are currently sitting in second place in the standings behind Idaho with a 10-10 overall record and 8-2 Big Sky mark. The 'Jacks have clinched a spot in the conference championship tournament, but have not yet solidified their seed.
 
"It's a bittersweet day and we are losing four great men," Director of Tennis Ki Kroll said.
 
Combined this year's group of seniors have accumulated 86 singles wins and 73 doubles wins. The Lumberjack seniors are a part of the 2017 Big Sky regular season championship team and combined have garnered both academic and conference honors.
 
Ajanovic first came to NAU in 2015 from Corona, California and has competed at singles for the Lumberjacks. Ajanovic is a three-time Golden Eagle Award recipient, named for maintaining an accumulative 3.0 or higher since 2016. Ajanovic will graduate this May with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems.
 
"Not only has Harun been a great teammate, always putting others before himself, he has given his best both on and off the court," said Kroll. "A coach can't ask more of a player, his contribution to this team will always be appreciated."
 
Eguez is a senior from Santa Cruz, Bolivia who first came to NAU as a transfer from Northwood University in 2017. He has notched 30 singles wins and 27 doubles wins over the course of his tennis career. Eguez will graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Finance and Economics.
 
"It's always great having a player who is committed to his team," said Kroll. "I'm very thankful for that, and am hopeful he will continue to give his best in everything he does, because success will follow."
 
Schumann came to NAU in 2015 where he has since notched 43 singles wins and 32 doubles wins. Originally from Germany, the senior was a two-time Big Sky All-Academic Selection, was named Big Sky Athlete of the Week in 2015 and has received the Golden Eagle Award honor all four years of his career. Schumann will graduate with his Bachelor's Degree in Business and will intern with Fila Europe in Germany following graduation.
 
"I will always appreciate the strong work ethic and dedication Felix brought to this team. It's been a pleasure coaching him, and I will remember all the hard-fought battles he has been a part of," said Kroll. "I know he will carry this all-in attitude through life, which will serve him well."
 
Zilberstein is a senior from Israel who first came to NAU in 2015 and has since left an impression as both a student and athlete. Zilberstein has recorded 11 singles wins and 14 doubles wins. Notably, he excelled in the classroom as a Construction Management major and Business minor with a 3.95 GPA. Zilberstein is a four-time Golden Eagle Award recipient, two-time ITA All-Academic Selection and was also a Big Sky All-Academic Selection.
 
"Over the years, Adi has brought a lot to this team. He is always lightening the mood, and continues to be a true friend to all his teammates," said Kroll. "He has strengthened our doubles play when needed, and has been committed in doing so." 
 
This senior class has accomplished a lot in their time here at Northern Arizona and it is not over yet. The Lumberjacks are fighting to defend their undefeated home winning streak, end with a winning record and potentially garner their second straight regular season title.
 
Northern Arizona will compete Saturday, April 21 against Sacramento State at 10 a.m. and Mesa Community College at 3 p.m. Both matches will be held in the Aquatic and Tennis Complex and are free for all who attend.

The Sacramento State Hornets are currently 7-12 overall and 5-4 in the Big Sky. The Hornets are sitting at fifth place and have yet to clinch a spot in the conference championship tournament. Sacramento State will travel to Southern Utah first before ending the regular season against Northern Arizona in Flagstaff for senior day. The eight-man roster, led by head coach Kevin Kurtz, is coming off of a 4-3 win against UC Davis. The last time the Hornets and Lumberjacks competed was in California where Northern Arizona came away with a 6-1 win.

The Thunderbirds are currently 10-6 overall and 6-0 in conference heading into this weekend. Mesa CC will end its regular season against Northern Arizona in Flagstaff before competing in regionals. The Thunderbirds are coming off of a 5-4 win against Ottawa University increasing their winning streak to six. The Thunderbird roster is comprised of 14 men who are led by head coach Ali Borhani and assistant coach Jeff Smallwood.  

The Northern Arizona Men's Tennis team will compete in the Big Sky Conference Championship tournament in Phoenix, Ariz. April 26-28. The tournament will be held at the Phoenix Tennis Center. More details on the tournament to be announced on nauathletics.com.