FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (March 5, 2019) – Tim Handel's hot start to the season leads to a national ranking in singles and doubles. The multiple rankings mark the first time in the 2018-2019 season that Northern Arizona has multiple rankings and the first time that the team has an individual player ranked nationally.
As of Sept. 5, Handel is ranked 119 in the ITA National singles rankings. This ranking is well deserved for the senior Lumberjack as he is currently 7-1 in his final spring season with the Lumberjacks. Handel has been a reliable No. 1 singles player for NAU, with his biggest spring win coming over the No. 95 nationally ranked Dan Little, of the University of Utah. Not only has Handel had a great spring, but he also found success in the fall as he was able to take down the No. 79 nationally ranked singles player Matias Soto, of Baylor.
Northern Arizona's No. 1 doubles pair of Handel and
Ruben Montano also remain ranked for the 2018-2019 season. The duo is nationally ranked No. 67 in the country. The pair started their senior campaign with a great fall campaign where they were able to win the ITA Mountain Regionals. Following the fall, the NAU duo had their highest ranking of the year at No. 25. In the spring Handel and Montano have been able to achieve success as the two are currently 5-4 on the season and 1-0 in Big Sky play.
