FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Northern Arizona men's tennis team will host for the second time this season welcoming Montana and Montana State to Flagstaff.
The Lumberjacks will first compete against the Montana Grizzlies Friday, April 6 at 1 p.m. before taking on the Montana State Bobcats Saturday, April 7 at 10 a.m.
Both Montana schools hold standings above Northern Arizona, who is currently fourth in Big Sky with an overall 7-10 record and 5-2 Big Sky record; however, the 'Jacks have garnered five conference wins, the third most behind Weber State with seven and Idaho with six.
Northern Arizona is coming off a tough loss to Weber State and looking to remain undefeated in Flagstaff after first defeating North Dakota and Northern Colorado in its home opener.
Currently, the Lumberjacks are being led by junior
Lucas Taylor who has 10 overall singles wins and five in Big Sky action. The England native is also one of two who has received an Athlete of the Week honor this season for the blue and gold.
In doubles, both senior
Felix Schumann and junior
Ruben Montano are leading the 'Jacks with six overall wins, four in conference play.
This week's matches against the Grizzlies and Bobcats will take place in the Aquatic and Tennis Complex and are free for all who attend. Giveaways include NAU foam axes and NAU-branded bandanas while supplies last.
Highlight Reel
- Junior Lucas Taylor received his first Athlete of the Week honor this season, third of his career, March 21.
- Northern Arizona notched its first two 7-0 shutouts of the season over North Dakota and Northern Colorado March 17 and March 18 in its home-opening weekend.
- Junior Tim Handel was the first Lumberjack to notch an AOTW 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
Montana
Friday, April 6 | 1:00 p.m.
Aquatic and Tennis Complex | Flagstaff, Ariz.
Live stats available on Twitter
@NAUMensTennis
The Montana Grizzlies are 6-4 overall, 3-1 in the Big Sky currently holding a Top-3 spot in the standings with just three weeks to go. The Grizzlies are coming off a 7-0 sweep over Idaho State and will travel to compete against Northern Arizona and Southern Utah. Montana and Northern Arizona last faced off last season in the Big Sky Conference tournament where the Grizzlies defeated the 'Jacks 4-3 in the semifinal. The seven-man roster is led by interim head coach Jason Brown.
Montana State
Saturday, April 7 | 10:00 a.m.
Aquatic and Tennis Complex | Flagstaff, Ariz.
Live stats available on Twitter
@NAUMensTennis
Montana State is currently in a Top-3 position in the Big Sky right behind Montana heading into this weekend. The Bobcats are 4-8 overall and 3-1 in conference action and will compete against Northern Arizona Saturday before traveling to compete against Southern Utah Sunday. The Montana State men's tennis team is comprised of 10 men led by Director of Tennis Jared Burnham. The last time the Bobcats and Lumberjacks went head-to-head was last season where Northern Arizona came away with a 6-1 win in Montana.
Coming Up
Northern Arizona will have more than a week off before its next match against Southern Utah Monday, April 16. The Lumberjacks will hit the road for the last time in the regular season to compete against the Thunderbirds at 1 p.m. in Cedar City.
