CLEVELAND – Oliver Valentinsson (Malmo, Sweden) and Kristopher Ortega (Homer Glen, Ill.) have both been named to the All-Mid-American Conference Men's Tennis team, announced by the league office on Tuesday (April 26). Valentinsson was selected to the All-MAC First Team while Ortega claimed All-MAC Second Team recognition.

Earning All-MAC honors for the second consecutive season, Valentinsson posted a 15-6 dual match record during the 2021-22 campaign, playing primarily at number one or two in the Huskie lineup. Valentinsson opened the season with seven consecutive victories; in league matches, the Malmo, Sweden, native had a 6-4 singles record while also winning his match in the conference tournament against Western Michigan's Peter Kuszynski. 

Valentinsson also won 11 doubles matches this season, playing with three different partners and was named to the MAC All-Tournament Team at this past weekend's conference tournament. Last season, Valentinsson earned All-MAC Second Team honors. 

Ortega was a constant at the top of the lineup for the Huskies, playing at number one or two singles the entire season, earning seven victories. In doubles, Ortega posted an 8-6 record in dual matches, with all eight victories coming while paired with Valentinsson. The duo won three of its five conference matches that finished and ended the season with a three-match win streak as a tandem. 

This is the third All-MAC honor for Ortega, who was named to the all-league first team in both 2018 and 2021. 

Valentinsson and Ortega helped NIU to its 11th consecutive season with at least 11 dual match wins, not including the COVID-shortened 2019-20 season. 

All-MAC First Team
Danilo Kovacevic, Ball State
Cheng Tang, Buffalo
Oliver Valentinsson, NIU
Pawit Sornlaksup, Toledo
Anton Arzhankin, Western Michigan
Peter Kuszynski, Western Michigan

All-MAC Second Team
Thibault De Negri, Ball State
Shourya Verma, Binghamton
Kristopher Ortega, NIU
Adam Kovac, Toledo
Krzysztof Wetoszka, Toledo
Fynn Lohse, Western Michigan 

Coach of the Year: David Morin, Western Michigan
Player of the Year: Pawit Sornlaksup, Toledo
Freshman of the Year: Anton Arzhankin, Western Michigan
Jack Vredevelt Sportsmanship Award: Cole Shoults, Toledo