When it comes to losses, this had to be the palatable defeat coach Charles Merzbacher will ever see for his NIU men’s tennis team.

Pre-meet expectations Friday would have centered around the University of Minnesota—No. 2 in the Midwest and No. 25 nationally in the initial poll—not only shutting out the Huskies, but claiming a majority of matches in only two sets. After all, this was the Minnesota program which regularly draws 500-plus to its 98th Street Raquetball Club facility.

The final score was, of course, in Minnesota’s favor, but it was the Huskies who produced the evening’s highlights. Specifically newcomer Greg O’Neil, who made his mid-year debut for the NIU a golden one.

O’Neil rallied for a 3-6, 7-6 (7-2 tiebreaker), 6-4 upset of Brian Uihlien at No. 3 singles. The Minnesota entry was listed as the Midwest’s No. 15 player according to the initial Intercollegiate Tennis Coaches Association (ITCA) poll. The Huskie sophomore also teamed with Erik Andersch for a 6-2, 6-3 victory at No. 2 doubles against UM’s Rick Naumoff and Roger Anderson.

“It was a great win. How else would you describe it? His first matchand he beats a guy ranked (No. 15) on the other guy’s home court,” Merzbacher said. “Basically, he served (Uihlien) off the court. He made some great volleys and closed to the net really well.

“Plus he’s a double winner teaming with Erik. They played superior at the net. In tennis cliche terms, they owned the net so well you’d say they bought the real estate. I’m really proud of everybody on the team. They all played like a team, supporting each other, working hard. We played to the last point of every match and we played every point tough.”