FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The Northern Arizona women's tennis team will head to Phoenix at the end of the month as the first team to clinch a spot in the Big Sky Conference tournament after garnering three wins last week against Southern Utah, Montana State and Northern Colorado.
Northern Arizona will continue the regular season in another three-match week against Utah State, Idaho State and Weber State. The Lumberjacks will first travel to compete against non-conference opponent the Utah State Aggies Friday, April 6 at 10:30 a.m. local (9:30 a.m. MST) before taking on Idaho State at noon Saturday and Weber State at 10 a.m. Sunday.
The Lumberjacks are leading the conference pack this year currently ahead three wins over Idaho. The 'Jacks roster comprises of junior
Hanneke Lodewijks, who was named Big Sky Athlete of the Week and is leading the conference in singles wins with 13. In addition, all three doubles pairs in Lodewijks and
Ellie Millard,
Chiara Tomasetti and
Madi Moore and
Eirene Granville and Cora Lynn Von Dungern are leading on the courts in wins compared to the rest of their conference opponents.
This week will be the last three-match stretch for the blue and gold and will be followed by just two more matches; including one in Flagstaff against North Dakota.
Highlight Reel
- Northern Arizona is on a 29-consecutive regular-season winning streak against Big Sky opponents.
- Junior Hanneke Lodewijks was named Big Sky Athlete of the Week April 4 helping the 'Jacks to three wins and clinch the first spot in the conference tournament.
- Doubles pair Hanneke Lodewijks and Chiara Tomasetti were last ranked No. 57 in the ITA Oracle national rankings March 6.
- Freshman Madi Moore was named Big Sky AOTW Feb. 7 after going undefeated in singles and doubles across three matches.
- Sophomore Tomasetti was the first Lumberjack in the 2018 season to pick up a Big Sky AOTW honor Jan. 24.
- Last season the Lumberjacks finished on top as the 2017 Big Sky Regular Season champions after recording an 18-5 overall record and an undefeated 11-0 conference record.
Weekend Scout
Utah State
Friday, April 6 | 10:30 a.m.
Aggie Recreation Center | Logan, Utah
Utah State is coming off of a 5-2 loss against Wyoming and looking to host the Lumberjacks in its lone match of the weekend. The Aggies are currently 11-9 overall and 1-1 in the Mountain West; defeating Colorado State 5-1. Last time these two teams competed was last season when the 'Jacks hosted the Aggies winning in a 7-0 sweep. The nine-woman Utah State roster is led by head coach Sean McInerney, who is in his fifth season with the women's tennis program.
Idaho State
Saturday, April 7 | 12 p.m.
Lewis Clark State College Tennis Center | Lewiston, Idaho
Idaho State is 7-9 overall, 4-2 in the Big Sky after garnering a 4-3 win over Montana this past weekend. The Bengals hold a spot in the upper half of the conference standings and will host the NAU Lumberjacks and Montana State Bobcats Saturday and Sunday, respectively. The last time the Bengals and 'Jacks faced off was last season where Northern Arizona came away with a 4-0 win in Idaho. The nine-woman roster is led by head coach Gretchen Maloney, who is in her third season.
Weber State
Sunday, April 8 | 10 a.m.
Edman Tennis Courts | Ogden, Utah
Like Idaho State, Weber State is also 4-2 in the Big Sky and has an 8-8 overall record going into this weekend. The Wildcats will host non-conference opponent Santa Clara and Big Sky's Montana State before welcoming Northern Arizona Sunday. Weber State is coming off a 4-3 loss to Montana at home. Last time Weber State took on Northern Arizona was last year when the 'Jacks hosted the Wildcats with a 6-1 win. The nine-woman roster is led by Director of Tennis Brad Ferreira.
Coming Up
Northern Arizona has just two matches remaining in the regular season and will host North Dakota in its lone match next Saturday, April 13. The Lumberjacks and Fighting Hawks will compete at the Aquatic and Tennis Complex at 1 p.m. The event is free for all who attend.
