FARMINGTON, Utah (Jan. 8, 2020) – After a vote by the Big Sky coaches, Northern Arizona University's men's tennis was voted to finish in first place released by the league office Wednesday morning. The 'Jacks received seven of the 11 first-place votes.
"We have a lot of work ahead of us and just one goal in mind: to be better than the day before," head coach
Maciej Bogusz said. "Our players know that, and this is the only thing in our control. I am very excited for the season and can't wait to start practices."
NAU received a total of 96 points with the seven first-place votes. Just behind the Lumberjacks were the Montana Grizz, tallying 87 points and two-first place votes. Sacramento State, who was picked sixth behind Southern Utah (third - 66), Portland State (fourth - 58) and Weber State (fourth- 58), also received two first-place votes, despite only garnering 57 points.
Coming off of an unbeaten Big Sky campaign in 2019 and winning the Championship title, the Lumberjacks will begin their spring season with five returning players:
Daniel Dillon,
David Nguyen,
Mikael Purne,
Chris Steele, and
Facundo Tumosa. Tumosa tabbed three accolades during last season, being the Big Sky Freshman of the Year, named to the Big Sky All-Conference Second Team in singles and an honorable mention recognition in doubles. Steele also earned a spot on the All-Big Sky Second Team for doubles.
The Lumberjacks will begin their 2020 campaign with a match down in Tucson to play against the Arizona Wildcats on Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. Their campaign will continue to the following day to compete against the University of California, Riverside at 10 a.m.
Men's Tennis Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Northern Arizona – 96 (7)
2. Montana – 87 (2)
3. Southern Utah – 66
T4. Portland State – 58
T4. Weber State – 58
6. Sacramento State – 57 (2)
7. Idaho – 50
8. Montana State – 41
9. Idaho State – 39
10. Northern Colorado – 34
11. Eastern Washington – 19
