NIU men’s tennis coach Carl Neufeld depended on many of his reserve players at Thursday’s match against Valparaiso, and they proved themselves worthy as NIU won 6-3.

“We got a chance to play four (players) who normally do not start,” Neufeld said. “Like any sport, it is one thing to practice, but it is another to compete.”

During the singles matches, some of the players tensed up and lost some close games. NIU was tied at the end of singles play at 3-3. No. 4 player Ken Schlecht, the only senior on the team, was one player who admitted he let his opponent off the hook.

“I came out fast, but I let him get away,” Schlecht said. “It was a very close match.”

It took Valparaiso’s Matt Evans three games to defeat Schlecht with scores of 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.

Three NIU winners included No.1 singles player Steve Wiere 6-0, 6-2; No. 2 Dan Bowers 6-0, 6-1; and Brian McGuinness 6-4, 6-4.

The Huskies’ doubles competition is what provided the winning margin as all three NIU teams were victorious.

“We don’t give up anything in doubles,” Neufeld said. “Generally we are a better doubles team, but we have played some excellent singles.”

Gary Hattendorf and Dan Bowers was one of the NIU doubles teams which defeated Valparaiso, 6-2, 6-2.

“I was very comfortable with the doubles game,” Hattendorf said. “It felt good to win.”

Neufeld said he is a big believer in using his reserves. He said to be able to rely on the bench players during crucial games, the players need to have normal game experience.

“I would sacrifice a loss to gain experience,” Neufeld said.

Neufeld also said he believes one of his team’s main assets is its depth. He said the depth of his team is really good and he does not lose much by going to his bench players.

Neufeld said No. 4 player Rob Martin is a good example of needing play experience.

“Rob played much better in doubles with Steve Wiere after his singles match,” Neufeld said. “He (Rob) played a guy he should have beat (in singles), but he played tight. He was more confident in winning during his doubles match.”

The Huskies have four more home games, all of which are this weekend. Beginning on Saturday, NIU faces Marquette at 9:30 a.m. That match is followed by two more against Augustana and Elmhurst at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. NIU hosts Illinois State next Tuesday.