The men’s tennis team had a solid year with 15 wins and eight losses. The season ended in disappointment when NIU was knocked out by the University at Buffalo Friday in the first round of the Mid-American Conference Championship.

1. Poor doubles play was NIU’s downfall

NIU won six of eight early season doubles matches. Starting out on top in the beginning of a match gave the Huskies plenty of confidence, allowing them to stay aggressive early on.

In the fall half of the season, the Huskies were 7-4 in doubles matches but suffered a 3-8 record in the spring half. Although the Huskies continued winning and competing for first place in the MAC against Western Michigan, NIU’s doubles play plummeted and its confidence suffered.

Starting from behind every game lowered the Huskies’ confidence level and caused poor play which caused them to lose their an aggressive mentality.

Head Coach Patrick Fisher frequently alluded to doubles play being a problem throughout the season, even after wins.

“We didn’t play good at all, but we won,” Fisher said after a 4-3 win over Ball State University March 31.

2. NIU has no answer against Buffalo

NIU hasn’t found an answer on beating the Bulls in the last three years.

The Huskies have been eliminated in the semifinals in a tight 4-3 loss against Buffalo. The last time NIU claimed victory over Buffalo was in a 5-2 win April 19, 2015.

The Huskies have lost six matches in a row against Buffalo since then, including April 20 during the regular season and Friday in the MAC Tournament.

It appears if the Huskies ever want to find themselves back in MAC championship contention they will have to go through Buffalo to do it. So far, they have not found a solution for that.

3. Kristopher Ortega has become a player to watch

One of the main reasons for NIU’s succuss this season was the rise of Kristopher Ortega. Ortega was recently named as MAC newcomer of the year and to the MAC All-First team Wednesday after an impressive first season with the Huskies.

Ortega is a prime candidate for the MAC Freshman of the Yearaward. He finished the season with a 15-8 record, with more than half of the wins coming at the No. 1 slot.

Ortega posted a 21-12 overall record overall and led the Huskies to an impressive season.

Ortega has proven he is worthy of leading this team after starting the season at the No. 4 and climbing his way to the No. 1 slot when his team needed it the most, after senior Eric Marbach’s back injury.

“He’s been excellent, he’s stepped up in a big way,” Fisher said.

Look for Ortega to lead the team again next season with several seniors from the team leaving for graduation.