MUNCIE, Ind. – The Northern Illinois University men's tennis team completed a sweep of its opening Mid-American Conference weekend as the Huskies earned a narrow, 4-3, victory at Ball State on Sunday afternoon (March 14). With the win, NIU improves to 13-1 on the season, 2-0 in MAC play. 

"Today could not have been closer," said NIU head coach Patrick Fisher. "To go on the road this weekend, not get any practice time outside at all this weekend then to have to play outside twice and win, I'm really happy for our guys, they earned it this weekend. Really happy for Mikko (Malinen) he is really starting to play some great tennis. (It was a) total team effort today and we are hopeful we can extend our season next weekend and play again."

Oliver Valentinsson and Kristopher Ortega started the day with a 6-2 win at number three doubles and, after Ball State won the match at number one, Victor Spolidorio and Mikko Malinen claimed the point for the Huskies with a 6-4 victory playing at number two. 

In the singles, Valentinsson continued his outstanding play with a 6-4, 6-1 win over Eli Herran at number five for his 12th win of the season. 

Ball State won the next two matches to finish at number one and number four to even the contest, 2-2. Mikael Vollbach then brought the Huskies within a point of the overall match victory as head edged Parrish Simmons, 7-5, 7-6, at number six. 

The Cardinals claimed a three-set win at number three to level the match as number three singles would would decide the overall result. 

Malinen picked up the win at number three, topping Chris Adams, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, to help the Huskies to a 4-3 victory. 

NIU will be back in action next Friday, March 19, when they host Buffalo.

NIU 4, Ball State 3

Singles
1. Thibault De Negri (BSU) def. Bor Schweiger Muzar (NIU) 6-1, 6-4
2. Danilo Kovacevic (BSU) def. Kristopher Ortega (NIU) 6-1, 5-7, 6-2
3. Mikko Malinen (NIU) def. Chris Adams (BSU) 6-4, 4-6, 6-4
4. Sajin Smith (BSU) def. Victor Spolidorio (NIU) 6-3, 6-4
5. Oliver Valentinsson (NIU) def. Eli Herran (BSU) 6-4, 6-1
6. Mikael Vollbach (NIU) def. Parrish Simmons (BSU) 7-5, 7-6

Doubles
1. Chris Adams/Danilo Kovacevic (BSU) def. Bor Schweiger Muzar/Mikael Vollbach (NIU) 6-4
2. Victor Spolidorio/Mikko Malinen (NIU) def. Thibault De Negri/Parrish Simmons (BSU) 6-4
3. Oliver Valentinsson/Kristopher Ortega (NIU) def. Eli Herran/Bryce Bonin (BSU) 6-2