Men’s tennis ups home streak to 11

By Darwin Minnis

Men’s tennis (13-5) added another win to its record this weekend in Rockford.

On Saturday, NIU took on St. Louis (7-6), which was looking to continue its four-game win streak, but much to the Billikens’ dismay, everything went the Huskies’ way as they got the 7-0 victory. The win continues their perfect 11-0 record at home.

The day started off right in doubles as NIU got the point by winning in the No. 2 and No. 3. Simon Formont and Frederic Cadieux got the 8-3 victory in the No. 2 against the Billikens’ Yehia El Sallaly and Nishaad Balachandran. This win gave Cadieux and Formont their 10th doubles win of the season.

In the No. 3, NIU’s Jovan Zeljkovic and Matt Lynch beat out Paarth Dodhiawala and Vuk Poledica, 8-4.

In singles, NIU walked away from every match with strong wins, with only one match being forced into three sets.

In the No. 1, Dor Amir started singles with a win, taking down Patrick Kella, 6-4, 6-1. In the No. 2, Cadieux got the win over Joe Flanagan, 6-2, 6-0. This win makes Cadieux a perfect 6-0 in the No. 2 on the season.

Cadieux said he knew the team’s confidence would help it get the win.

“I think we went there knowing that we could win at every single spot,” Cadieux said. “And we did it. We had a good mindset, and we took this match.”

Formont played the only three-set match in singles, where he was forced to make a comeback over Poledica before getting the 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 win. With this win, Formont continues his strong season, leading the team with 16 wins.

The Huskies originally had a doubleheader planned for Saturday, but the second game against Cardinal Stritch was canceled.

The Huskies will attempt to continue their hot play into their conference matchups, which begin this weekend.

“We used this match as preparation to face our rivals, Western Michigan, this Friday,” Cadieux said. “We are ready for Friday and ready to have a good week of practice to start the MAC.”