Northwest men roll past ECU 7-2

The Northwest Missouri State men's tennis team continued its early season roll with another important in-region victory Friday, defeating East Central (Okla.) 7-2 in at the Frank Grube Tennis Courts.

The Bearcats improved to 5-1 on the season as the Tigers fell to 2-6 overall. The win was the second straight victory over ECU for Northwest after an intense 6-3 win in last year's match in Ada, Okla.

Northwest jumped out to a 2-0 lead taking wins at No. 1 and No. 3 doubles. East Central pulled out a narrow 9-7 victory at the No. 2 doubles position to keep the match close.

However, the Bearcats served no mercy on the Tigers Friday afternoon led by wins at No. 1 singles from Sergio De Vilchez and No. 3 singles, Luis Altimires. De Vilchez knocked off Stefan Stein 6-0, 6-1 as Altimires claimed his match 6-4, 6-2.

From there, the Bearcats took the final three points at No. 4, No. 5 and No. 6 singles to earn their fifth win of the season.

Northwest returns to action Monday in a makeup of last week's postponed match against Missouri Valley. Action from Frank Grube Tennis Courts is set for a 2:30 p.m. first serve.