A season after coming within one set of reaching the NCAA tournament, the NIU men’s tennis team returns to MAC play against Buffalo this weekend.

The Huskies (9-6 overall, 0-0 MAC) will visit the Bulls (5-7, 1-1) at 1 p.m. Saturday for their first conference match of the year in the last month of the season.

Last year in DeKalb, NIU used the windy conditions to its advantage and did not drop a single set in a 7-0 sweep of Buffalo. Dating back to the 2001-02 season, the Huskies have won 20 of 21 matches against their MAC foe.

But despite recent history, NIU coach Pontus Hiort emphasized the importance of MAC matches and will not take his opponent lightly.

“These matches are always important because it determines seedings for who you will face in the conference tournament,” Hiort said. “We have to play well throughout the lineup because they’re a deep team from one through six.”

Buffalo is led in victories by No. 2 singles player sophomore Mike Rockman with a 23-11 record.

But the biggest task for the Bulls will be to stop NIU senior Willy Gali at No. 1 singles. The Barcelona, Spain native has won a career-high 14 matches in a row and boasts a 22-4 record this season. In his career at NIU, Gali is 49-8 in singles play with an .860 winning percentage.

“Willy always finds a way to win against very good competition,” Hiort said. “Opponents know they have to bring their ‘A’ game. He should definitely be in the running for MAC Player of the Year.”

Despite senior Erick Martinez tearing abdominal muscles March 6 versus Wright State, the Huskies have won four of their last five matches. Martinez returned to his No. 2 singles spot with a 6-1, 6-4 win in last Friday’s 5-2 victory over Valparaiso.

“It’s been hard recovering from the surgery,” said Martinez, who had double hernia surgery over the summer. “But I’m feeling good and I’m practicing with the guys again and we’re definitely taking these MAC matches seriously.”

Women host Broncos

The NIU women’s tennis team will continue their MAC schedule with a home match at against Western Michigan.

The Huskies (4-5 overall, 0-2 MAC) will host the Broncos (10-5, 2-0) at 1 p.m. Saturday in Rockford.

NIU dropped their conference openers last weekend 5-2 against Miami and 7-0 to defending MAC champion Marshall.

Senior Ivonne Andrade leads the Huskies with a 11-11 record at No. 2 singles and a 11-8 record at No. 1 doubles with freshman Christy Svetlic.