Jan. 23, 2011

 

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Northern Illinois (1-1) men’s tennis team completed their first weekend of the young season, coming up on the short end of a 4-3 decision at Butler University (1-1) Sunday afternoon.

“We’re disappointed with the loss, but compared to where we were last year at this time, we’re much further ahead,” said NIU head coach Patrick Fisher. “I think that’s encouraging. We just have to continue to get better and become better players. It’s a long season.”

Unlike yesterday, the Huskies were unable to get anything going in doubles play, dropping all three matches and the decisive doubles point.

“I think the key in doubles was that Butler played great at No. 1,” said Fisher. “I think that was the difference. We were never really in it at No. 3, and at No. 1, they played fantastic. We were up 6-3 at two, and ended up losing so that kind of hurt.”

NIU looked to quickly turn the momentum in its favor in singles play. With four courts to play on in the Butler Bubble, three of the four Huskies were able to take their first sets.

“We came out firing,” Fisher said. “We had a lot of great momentum going, but Butler just hung in there and made a run. We just had some guys that didn’t step up today that needed to step up.”

Ukranian Maksym Bartiuk was playing his usual dominating tennis in the No. 1 singles flight. Junior Roman Turtygin was defeated in the second flight, while Swedish native, Axel Lagerlof came out playing well again in his second collegiate match, picking up the win at No. 3.

“I think he played better today against a better opponent higher up in the lineup,” said Fisher of the freshman. “He’s going to be a good player for us in the future. I’m excited to see him develop.”

Bryant Poggensee-Wei was unable to sustain yesterday’s high level of play, falling in the fourth flight, while fellow freshman Maksym Lagutin dropped a decision in the fifth. After an illness left him below 100 percent yesterday, Maximilian Phillips came out with a gutsy performance today, recording a victory at the No. 6 singles flight.

“He was a feeling a little better today,” Fisher said. “Yesterday, he was serving underhand the entire match. Today, he was rested and just went for it and just dug in. He really came through for us.”

NIU will take next weekend off before heading to Milwaukee, Wis., to take on Marquette University on Feb. 4 at 5 p.m. CT.

--NIU--