IRVINE, Calif. – The Concordia University Irvine men's tennis team smoothly maneuvered its way to a 7-0 victory over Western New Mexico on Wednesday afternoon.

Ranked No. 17 in the most recent ITA NCAA Division II rankings, CUI improved to 5-4 on the season. 

It's important to note that the Eagles have only lost to ITA nationally-ranked teams so far this spring.  CUI also boasts a win over No. 22 Midwestern State during the recent ITA National Team Indoor Championships that were held in February.

In this particular non-conference match, the Eagles won the doubles point to immediately move in front early.  Benjamin Buck and Gertjan de Wilder emerged victorious in a close 6-4 decision at the No. 3 pairing.  Yassine Smiej and Mike Jensen also secured a 6-1 win at the No. 1 spot.

In singles, Jan Simon at the No. 3 slot and Patrick Wong at the No. 2 position each made quick work of their opponents to put CUI up 3-0 overall.  Buck then won 6-2, 6-2 to clinch the victory for the Eagles.

Smiej improved to 5-1 at the No. 1 singles spot this season with his latest victory. That was a 6-4, 6-4 decision over his opponent.  Jansen and Sofian Taybei Alaoui also earned a point with victories in straight sets at the No. 5 and No. 6 singles spots to round out the scoring.
"I think we started pretty good, pretty motivated and with a lot of energy and that helped us," said Simon. "I hope we can carry this (momentum) over to our upcoming matches with tough opponents in conference like Point Loma and when we go to Azusa."

The CUI men's tennis team is schedule to return to action on Saturday, March 20 when the Eagles visit California Lutheran.

For the most up-to-date CUI men's tennis schedule, CLICK HERE.

#CUITogether