Men’s Tennis on Three Game Road Swing in Colorado

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., (April 6, 2021) – Northern Arizona men's tennis is looking forward to a three day road series in Colo. this week, bouncing between Colorado Springs and Denver and with all the matches beginning in the afternoon.

As the Lumberjacks enter into the rest of their non conference season undefeated in Big Sky Play (3-0), Northern Arizona will look to better their current overall record of 4-6 before heading to the Big Sky Championship in Phoenix, Ariz., May 1 and 2. 

Northern Arizona will begin this week's road swing against the Air Force Falcons in Colorado Springs, Colo. on April 7 with a match start time of 1 p.m. MST. This is the first time in four years that the two have played against each other.

Air Force is currently 6-7 on the season, earning wins over multiple Big Sky Conference programs. The Falcons had 5-2 victories over Weber State, Montana and Idaho State, but took a loss to Sacramento State, 4-3. 

The Lumberjacks were able to beat Sacramento State, 4-3, on March 17 to earn their first Big Sky tennis win and complete their undefeated divisional season. Earning singles wins from Dominik Buzonics, Chris Steele, Eban Straker-Meads and Maciej Ziomber, NAU clinched the match despite the Hornets earning the early doubles point.

Both teams enter Wednesday's match on an upward trend, with the Falcons winning their last two matches and the 'Jacks on a four game winning streak. In addition, Northern Arizona leads 4-3 in their series record, with its last win of 5-2 on February 25, 2017. 

After the Lumberjacks face Air Force, NAU will head up to Denver for a single match at Metropolitan State University at Denver beginning at 1 p.m. MST. 

The Division II Roadrunners post a 4-8 season record with wins over Oklahoma Baptist (6-1), Dallas Baptist (7-0), Biola (4-3), and Colorado College (6-1). This seems to be the first match where the Lumberjacks and the Roadrunners will go head to head in a match.

Wrapping up road swing, the Lumberjacks will go back down to Colorado Springs for another game on Air Force's courts against Omaha on Saturday, April 10 at 12 p.m. MST.

Omaha posts a 10-11 record. The Mavericks have played against No. 17 Oklahoma State (L, 7-0), No. 30 Tulsa (L, 6-1), No. 34 Wichita (L, 6-1), and No. 39 Arkansas (L, 6-1; L, 7-0), having the opportunity in facing multiple top teams in the nation. 

The Lumberjacks have also had the chance to take on top ITA ranked teams, including No. 19 Arizona State (L, 6-1), No. 21 Arizona (L, 0-7; L, 0-7), and No. 43 Virginia Commonwealth (L, 5-2). 

Even with the deficits to the three ranked programs, the Lumberjacks fought hard in the matches, often challenging their opponents to three set tiebreakers or even beating them on their singles courts.

These three matches are the first of the last six matches the Lumberjacks will play before the Big Sky Conference Championship on May 1 and 2.