NIU men’s tennis achieved what hadn’t been done in over 15 years when it beat Western Michigan Friday.

The 5-2 victory extended a season-high five match winning streak for the Huskies (15-5, 1-0 MAC).

“It was a big win for us,” said NIU coach Patrick Fisher. “Western is predicted to be one of the best teams in the MAC this year, but obviously, that wasn’t the case on Friday night.”

The defeat of Western Michigan (11-8, 0-1 MAC) was a result of strong, relentless performances throughout NIU’s lineup.

At first, singles Roman Turtygin dropped his flight and at second and third singles, Dor Amir and Axel Lagerlof dropped their first sets.

Amir and Lagerlof both battled back to regain control after slow starts. Gathering more confidence through their matches, Amir ended up winning 2-6, 6-4 and 6-1 while Lagerlof claimed 3-6, 6-3 and 6-3 victories.

At sixth singles, Frederic Cadieux won a marathon match, outlasting his opponent in three sets, 7-5, 6-7, (4-7) and 6-2.

“We had three three-set matches and we won all of them,” Fisher said. “I think that’s just a big credit to how hard we work and where we are mentally. I think it goes back to our memorable loss to Cleveland State, when we lost four three-set matches. Since then, we’ve changed what we’ve been doing in practice and have a different mindset.”

Playing another match in the lower half of the lineup, injured two-time All-MAC performer Maksym Bartiuk won a 7-5, 7-5 battle at fourth singles. The match put the Huskies up 3-2 after dropping their matches at first and fifth singles.

“He fought really, really hard and did what he needed to do to win,” Fisher said. “I’m hoping in the next week that he’ll be better than he was on Friday. He played good enough to win and gave us a big lift. I think the guys fed off of him, knowing that he was going to be in the lineup.”