NIU men’s tennis (2-1) secured a 6-1 home victory against the Eastern Illinois University Panthers (0-4) on Saturday. The Huskies controlled the match, winning five out of six singles and two doubles matches.
“I’m proud of the way our guys competed from top to bottom right in the lineup today,” said NIU men’s tennis head coach René Vidal.
In singles play, NIU sophomore Saul Berdullas set the tone with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Panthers senior Pieke Bouman.
Junior Iker Gaztambide Arrastia followed with a 6-0, 6-0 performance against Eastern Illinois freshman Alex Aldaz.
Eastern Illinois’ sole singles victory came from senior Zach White, who defeated NIU freshman Chiao Bo Suo Nan 6-4, 6-1.
NIU junior Federico Scotuzzi overcame a first-set loss to secure a 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 win against Panthers freshman Ludolph Wiggett.
Junior Iker Dellien Velasco and sophomore Angus Howard also claimed victories for NIU. Velasco won 7-6, 5-2 against senior Tyler Carlin, while Howard prevailed in 3-6, 6-2, 10-8 sets against Panthers freshman Duarte Trocado.
Berdullas emphasized the camaraderie of the team.
“There are no easy matches. We always try and be there for each other and have a good time on the court,” Berdullas said.
In doubles, Gaztambide Arrastia and Scotuzzi won a 6-3 set against White and Wiggett. Sophomore duo Berdullas and Sam Klein secured a 6-4 victory against Bouman and Aldaz.
UP NEXT
The Huskies face Judson University at 6 p.m. Sunday at Nelson Tennis Center at Chick Evans Field House in DeKalb.