Men's Tennis | November 8

SAN DIEGO, Cali. - Sophomore Nikola Puntaric won the co-championship of the singles back draw at the ITA Conference Masters Championships this weekend. Puntaric represented the Mid-American Conference and Northern Illinois University men's tennis program at the event. 

On Thursday, Nov. 6, Puntaric faced South Carolina State's Mikalai Bankou in the Main Draw's Round of 32. Bankou won the match 6-4, 6-2, sending Puntaric to the back draw. 

In the quarterfinals, Puntaric defeated Timeo Puech of Longwood, 7-6 (8-6), 6-0 to reach the semifinals. 

It was another three-set match for Puntaric in the semis, facing Montana's Tom Bittner. Puntaric dropped the first set, but was able to regather and win the match 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to reach the finals. The sophomore has won his last four matches that have reached three sets. 

Puntaric is co-champions with Dayton's Mikkel Zinder, who also reached the back draw finals. 

Dual season for NIU begins Friday, Jan. 23 vs. IU Indy at home.