The ever-evolving lineup for the NIU men’s tennis team changed again in hopes of competing against Big Ten schools.

Greg O’Neil stepped into the spotlight at the No. 1 singles position. He won all his singles and doubles matches to hoist the Huskies past three opponents in coach Charles Merzbacher’s hometown, Finlay, Ohio last weekend.

Mats Persson, the incumbent at the No. 1 position for a year and a half, cruised by his opponents at No. 2 as well. NIU knocked off Bowling Greeen State 7-2, Akron 9-0, and Toledo 6-3.

The three wins improve the Huskies’ record to 7-6, the first time above the .500 mark in the spring season.

“Those were schools at our level,” Merzbacher said. “Those were the schools we’re trying to stay ahead of.”

Merzbacher opted for the flash of power and brilliance O’Neil can provide rather than the steady, consistent play of Persson.

O’Neil possesses a booming serve and a wicked forehand in his arsenal, but his inconsistency has plagued him throughout his career. But if this last weekend was any indication, it might have passed him.

O’Neil overcame a tough first set tie-break loss (8-6) to Toledo’s Jerome Moenter and cruised to a 6-7, 6-4, 6-4 win.

“He showed a lot of mental toughness in that match,” said Erik Andersch, team captain and O’Neil’s doubles partner. “Greg’s playing very well now, but so is Mats.”

“There’s not a lot that’s separating those guys (O’Neil and Persson),” Merzbacher said. “I thought (O’Neil) deserved an opportunity to play No. 1, and he took advantage of that opportunity.”

“Everyone wants to play No. 1,” O’Neil said. “I was happy when coach told me, but it really doesn’t matter where I play.”

O’Neil was suspended for violating team rules against Purdue, who the Huskies marked as their first Big Ten win. O’Neil’s absence was the difference in the 6-3 loss. O’Neil also missed a couple of matches due to an ankle injury.

The Huskies then suffered losses to Ohio State, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan State. NIU next plays University of Illinois 3 p.m. Friday at Champaign.