March 9, 2010

Final Results

ORLANDO, Fla. - Freshman Maksym Bartiuk recorded his team-leading seventh singles victory of the season, but the Northern Illinois men's tennis team (4-7) dropped a 6-1 decision versus Liberty in the second dual match of its spring trip Tuesday in Orlando.

"We knew Liberty was going to be a tough opponent, and they definitely proved that today," said NIU head coach Patrick Fisher. "We certainly had our chances in singles play, but didn't take advantage of them, particularly in those opening sets, and it really set the tone, allowing Liberty to take control of the match.

"We have another big challenge in front of us tomorrow (Wednesday) when we face Connecticut. Anytime we get the opportunity to play an opponent from a power conference is great for our program. Our guys are anxious to get back on the court and redeem themselves from a tough match today."

The Flames won all three matches in doubles play to capture the team point. Mikhail Titov and Roman Turtygin dropped an 8-5 decision at the top doubles flight, but Liberty recorded convincing 8-0 and 8-2 decisions, respectively, at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles.

Bartiuk accounted for the Huskies' lone win in singles play, a convincing 6-3, 6-1 victory over Liberty's Siim Tuus, who also played No. 1 doubles. The Flames recorded straight-set wins in the second-thru-sixth singles flights to make the final tally 6-1. Maximilian Phillips, playing No. 5 singles, battled with a 7-5 setback in the opening set, before falling in the second frame, 6-0.

Northern Illinois will take on Connecticut Wednesday beginning at 10 a.m. CST.