NIU men’s tennis (1-0) opened up the new season with a commanding 5-2 victory against Indiana University Indianapolis (0-2) on Friday. 

A strong display in doubles was followed up with five additional points in singles play as the Huskies look to improve on a disappointing 2025 season (8–15, 1-9 MAC) in which they finished last in the MAC. 

The Huskies clinched the doubles point after the duo of senior Iker Gaztambide Arrastia and junior Nikola Puntaric swiftly took down IU Indy sophomore Konner Gunwall and freshman Owen Nguyen at No. 1 doubles. 

“Our execution was spot on and our intensity level was high ,” said NIU men’s tennis head coach René Vidal. “We were able to get momentum in the match very early on and I’m proud of how our guys were able to step up, be resilient and close out the match for the victory.” 

Senior Federico Scotuzzi and sophomore Lorenzo Leti Messina followed up with a 6-1 victory at No. 3 doubles against Jaguar pair of sophomore Pumiphat Sukkho and senior Eli Mercer to give NIU the point advantage heading into singles. 

At No. 1 singles, Gaztambide matched up against Mercer, making quick work in a 6-2 first set. Mercer upped the intensity in the second set, leading 3-2 until Gaztambide pulled away with four consecutive games to secure the point for NIU. 

“The first game of the season always takes some time to get in rhythm,” Gaztambide said. “He (Mercer) was kind of tricky; I broke him, I was up and then all of a sudden he broke me back right in the next game. So that was kind of like a tough moment, but I was able to stay more consistent than him.” 

Puntaric dominated Gunwall, holding him to two total games, winning both sets 6-1 for the victory. 

The Huskies kept up the momentum with Scotuzzi and Leti Messina winning their sets against freshman Cameron Kryscio and Pumiphat respectively. Leti Messina defeated Pumiphat in straight sets, 6-2 and 6-0 at No. 5 singles. 

After dropping the first frame 6-4, Scotuzzi replied with a 6-4 and 6-2 sets to complete the comeback at No. 4 singles. 

At No. 3 singles, senior Iker Dellien Velasco fell to Nguyen in 7-6, 6-3 sets.

Sophomore  Pratyatksh LNU was defeated by sophomore Jai Dutta in straight sets, 7-5, 6-2 to close out the final match with the Huskies taking the 5-2 team victory. 

“We definitely need to improve in some spots, and it’s the beginning of the season, so it’s a long horse race,” Vidal said. “But we’re pleased with what we’re at, and our focus is on tomorrow’s match with Illinois State.”

UP NEXT 

The Huskies take on the Illinois State University Redbirds at 1 p.m. at Nelson Tennis Center at Chick Evans Field House.