UIC will enter the Horizon League tournament with solid momentum, after strong singles play vaulted the team to a 5-2 win over Northern Kentucky Saturday afternoon.

"After dropping the doubles point, energy was high at the Fire Pit," Hans Neufeld said, noting that the team was able to play on its home outdoor courts for the first time since last fall.  Numerous family, friends, and alumni were on hand to support the Flames on Senior Day.  "Pelle, Ammar, and Kevin all won.  Senior Anthony Nguyen closed out the victory," Neufeld continued, "followed by another senior, Francesco, who wore his opponent down to retire."

The win moved UIC into fourth place in the Horizon League standings.  NKU will venture to Indianapolis to play IUPUI Sunday, in a match that will have implications for the Flames.  UIC is just a half game behind the Jaguars for third place.  The team that finishes in third will receive a bye to the semifinals, while the fourth and fifth place teams will play in a first round match to open the tournament.

Doubles Results

• Gustavo Schwebel and Luiz Dos Santos fell in a 6-3 final at #1.
• Pelle Strandberg and Artem Iermolov were on the wrong end of an identical 6-3 score at #2.
• Kevin Kruzel and Francesco Tacconi had a 5-4 lead on the #3 court when play was halted.

Singles Results

• Strandberg pulled the Flames even with a quick, 6-1, 6-3 win at #2.
• Ammar Wazir won his 14^th singles match of the season – the most by a Flames freshman since 2016 – with a 7-5, 6-2 triumph at #5.
• NKU's only win on the singles courts came in a 6-2, 7-5 win over Schwebel at #1.
• Kruzel finished strong in a 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 win at #6.
• Nguyen wrapped up the team win in a three-set affair, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5, on the #4 court.
• Tacconi led his opponent 5-7, 7-5, 1-0 when the Norse retired.

Up Next

• Horizon League tournament play will begin Friday in Ann Arbor, Mich.
• The #5-vs.-#4 match will take place Friday, while the semifinals will be held Saturday.