Oct. 19, 2007

Minneapolis, Minn. - Both Northern Illinois men's tennis players Jimmy Chu (Lima, Peru / San Augustin) and Alex Friesen (Vancouver, B.C. / Burnaby Central) found themselves behind the eight-ball in the opening day of the ITA Midwest Region IV Tournament, as each dropped the first set of their matches at the University of Minnesota Baseline Tennis Center on Thursday afternoon.

Both responded in fine fashion as Chu and Friesen both came from behind to earn victories and advance to the round of 32 on Friday. Chu defeated Toledo's Jared Miller (4-6, 7-5, 6-3), while Friesen upended IUPUI's Gabriel Garcia (3-6, 6-3, 6-0).

"Those were two good wins," NIU head men's tennis coach Pontus Hiort said. "Especially since they both lost the first set. They fought hard and won it in the end.

"That was really good to see."

Chu will face Minnesota's Pierre Dumas, while Friesen will battle Minnesota's Adam Altepeter for the chance to advance to the "Sweet 16" at 8 a.m. on Friday morning.

--NIU--