Phoenix, Ariz. (April 27, 2019) – The Northern Arizona men's tennis team clinches the Big Sky Championship after taking down Portland State 4-0 in the Big Sky Championship finals on April 27 in Phoenix, Ariz. The championship marks the first time in program history that NAU will move onto the NCAA tournament.
It is incredibly satisfying moment for a coach, knowing the work all those players put in not just this season but their entire carriers, it is so worth it," NAU head coach
Maciej Bogusz said. "I am so happy for our seniors they have had many great season but couldn't convert it in the championship tournament until today. I would like to thank our amazing staff, coach Filip, coach Jacob and our athletic trainer Natalie for putting countless hours and all their work behind the scenes. It is time to celebrate.
The win moves the Lumberjacks to a record of 22-6 on the season while having gone 12-0 in Big Sky matches. The 'Jacks have been on a tear since March 2, as the team has now won 18 matches in a row. The loss in the finals moves the Vikings to a record of 14-8 on the season and 6-4 in the conference.
Similar to the semifinal match against Idaho State the 'Jacks fell at the No. 2 doubles and needed to win the No.1, and No. 3 doubles matches to win the doubles point. NAU's No. 3 doubles of
Lucas Taylor and
Facundo Tumosa won their match 6-2 over Portland State's Sam Roberts and Majeed Bukhari. The doubles point would once again come down to the No. 1 doubles pair of
Tim Handel and
Ruben Montano. Just like in the semifinals, the tandem was able to win their match to secure the point for Northern Arizona.
With a 1-0 advantage, the Lumberjacks were able to keep the pressure on the Vikings as they took the first three singles matches to win the match 4-0. Just like the semifinal, the three players to win their singles matches were Tumosa,
Tom Fisher and Montano. The freshman Tumosa was able to make quick work of Portland States Tommy Edwards as he took him down at the No. 3 position 6-2, 6-2. Following Tumosa's win, the senior captain Fisher was able to win the No. 6 singles match 6-1, 6-2 over Otto Holtari. With a 3-0 lead, Montano was able to punch NAU's ticket to the NCAA tournament by winning the No. 5 singles match 6-3, 6-4.
Looking forward
Northern Arizona will be taking part in the NCAA tournament for the first time in the programs history next weekend. The 'Jacks will find out who and when they will take the court next on Monday, April 29 during the selection show at 3 p.m. MST. More information on this event will be given in the next 24 hours, make sure to follow our twitter @NAUMensTennis for updates.
