FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – In its second match of the day, the Northern Arizona men's tennis team dominated the Mesa Community College Thunderbirds with a final score of 7-0.
The Lumberjacks end the regular season 12-10 overall and 9-2 in the Big Sky clinching the No. 2 seed earlier today against Sacramento State.
"It was a great day for us having the seniors out there, the guys really enjoyed today at home," Director of Tennis
Ki Kroll said. "Everybody stepped it up and I think we're at a really good place right now going into the Big Sky Championships."
After already competing earlier in the day, Northern Arizona was warmed up and ready to continue building off of its momentum starting in doubles.
Seniors
Felix Schumann and
Sebastian Eguez paired to lead the 'Jacks in doubles 6-1 at the No. 2 position before senior
Adi Zilberstein and junior
Lucas Taylor clinched the point with a 6-3 win against Mesa's Jeffrey Martin and Gergo Rendek.
With the score 1-0, the Lumberjacks continued a strong performance with Taylor finishing first 6-1, 6-2 and Eguez garnering a 6-1, 6-3 win to put the score at 3-0.
Senior
Harun Ajanovic then clinched the match for Northern Arizona at 4-0 after defeating Thunderbird Ali Moin 6-4, 6-4.
Senior Schumann then ended his last competition in Flagstaff with a 7-5, 6-4 win at the No. 4 position against Martin to push the score to 5-0.
Ruben Montano and freshman
Chris Steele finished the match off 7-5, 6-2 and 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, respectively to solidify the 'Jacks fifth 7-0 shutout of the season.
"It's been a tough season, we've played a lot of really good teams, but it's not over yet," said Kroll. "The potential of this team is really off the charts, but what matters is putting it all together. We are in a really great spot right now and excited to see what next week holds."
Northern Arizona will have a short week before traveling to Phoenix for the Big Sky Conference championship tournament. Matches will begin Thursday, April 26 and run through Saturday, April 28 at the Phoenix Tennis Center.
Since receiving the No. 2 seed, the Lumberjacks have earned a first-round bye and will compete Friday.
"Having a bye is so important because it allows us to get more preparation in," said Kroll. "We'll have time to make adjustments in Phoenix in terms of court positions if needed."
More information on the Big Sky Conference tournament can be found at nauathletics.com.
Results
Doubles
- Adi Zilberstein/Lucas Taylor (NAU) def. Jeffrey Martin/Gergo Rendek (MESA) 6-3
- Felix Schumann/Sebastian Eguez (NAU) def. Jorge Sala/Yohann Prinsen (MESA) 6-1
- Lucas Severo/Erik Dallmann (MESA) def. Tim Handel/Justin Bac (NAU) 7-6(5)
Order of Finish: 2, 1, 3
Singles
- Lucas Taylor (NAU) def. Gergo Rendek (MESA) 6-1, 6-2
- Ruben Montano (NAU) def. Yohann Prinsen (MESA) 7-5, 6-2
- Sebastian Eguez (NAU) def. Jorge Sala (MESA) 6-1, 6-3
- Felix Schumann (NAU) def. Jeffrey Martin (MESA) 7-5, 6-4
- Chris Steele (NAU) def. Lucas Severo (MESA) 4-6, 6-1, 6-4
- Harun Ajanovic (NAU) def. Ali Moin (MESA) 6-4, 6-4
Order of Finish: 1, 3, 6*, 4, 2, 5
