The Idaho State men’s tennis team maintained its control over their Big Sky championship quest as it defeated Northern Colorado Saturday 5-2. The team improved to 12-3 on the season and remain undefeated in conference play.

    The Bengals clinched the doubles point with victories in all three positions. The senior team of Charles Norman and Nate Gross overcame Brandon Lupo and Ben Gendron in the No. 1 spot 8-1.

    “That was some of the best doubles play I have seen in Division 1 tennis,” ISU Head Coach Bobby Goeltz said about Norman and Gross’s play.

    Norman ended his day with a victory over Ben Gendron in the No. 2 spot 7-5, 6-3. Sophomore Krzysztof Stempien defeated Mitchel Knight in the No. 3 position 6-0, 6-3 and Gross overcame Jordan Loughnan in the No. 4 position 6-1, 6-0. Freshman Jamey Swiggart continued to control the No. 5 spot. He defeated Jeff Carlson 6-2, 6-4. Swiggart improved to 13-2 on the season and 8-0 against conference opponents.

    “The guys took care of business and played well,” Goeltz said. “It was a great performance against a good team. We have to keep playing one match at a time. Montana is going to be a tough road trip against two good teams. We have to play well and try to control our own destiny.”

    The Bengal women fell to Northern Colorado Saturday 6-1. Sophomore Marian Tangarife gained the sole ISU point with her singles victory over Jennifer Buchanan in the No. 1 position. Tangarife defeated Buchanan 6-0, 6-2. Freshmen Svenja Tegtmeier, Madelyn Weltzin and Laura Theus all played tight matches against their opponents but all fell in the tie break match.

    “The women fought hard against a very good team,” Goeltz said. “The continued to improve and Marian had a great match at the No. 1 spot.”

    The final home match for the men is Sunday, April 14 against non-conference opponent Seattle University. The match is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. in Reed Gym.     The Bengals will be celebrating senior day as Norman and Gross play their final home match as Idaho State Bengals. The ISU men and women will conclude regular season play when they travel to face Montana Saturday and Montana State Sunday.