The NAU men’s tennis team got off to a rough start in match play with a record of 1-10 against UNLV, Oregon and Oklahoma. The team, which is mostly composed of freshmen and sophomores, has faced tough challenges coupled with growing pains in collegiate athletes.

“You never knew how good they were against a schedule that has been nothing but brutal,” said head coach Rich Paulosky. “Our play was not up to a national ranking level due to playing top notch programs; we were not used to playing at that level at the time.” 

The team’s matches in Las Vegas on Feb. 27 and 28 carried the same results as those beforehand. However, the losses in those matches don’t worry Paulosky going forward. 

“A lot of talent has been improving, including David Flodberg, who’s been phenomenal,” Paulosky said. “We’re working on improved fundamentals, and we’re working to play when we start conference play. We’ll be ready — no question about that.” 

One player Paulosky praised was freshman Andrew Reiff, who is currently tied with Flodberg for the team lead in singles play. Reiff said the coaching staff has not given on up on working tirelessly to improve every aspect of their game before heading into Big Sky play. 

“They’ve done a fantastic job,” Rieff said. “Coach Rich has been a big influence on my game. He’s showing me how to work against my opponent. We’ve been discouraged because of how everything has gone…We’ve had the challenge of facing tough opponents, and going through that forge will show that we’re good. Because of that, we should be very successful the last half of the season.” 

One way the coaches motivate the players mentally, according to sophomore Brelin Powell, is by reading slips of paper containing some quote or speech to prepare the players for their matches.  

“Sometimes it will be a quote that they get off the Internet or something (said) by famous athletes like Andre Agassi or Rafael Nadal,” Powell said. “It’s all about them trying to get us to stay mentally positive through the tough stretches of games.”

Despite all the mental preparation Paulosky and his staff prepare their team for, it can’t cure any unfortunate sickness that limits the role of the most notably lone senior Chris Arena.

Arena’s singles stats have fallen off dramatically due to illness and, as coaches say, simply bad luck.

“Chris has had a rough season, which unfortunately wasn’t helped by the bug that’s been going around lately,” Paulosky said.

Whatever the case may be, the tennis team still has their leadership intact, despite the losses and illnesses.

“Chris Arena was sidelined with sickness but was getting up and out there everyday, still,” Powell said. “Jake Tracy was also sidelined with some problems but still went out there for practice.”

The team starts Big Sky Conference play against Northern Colorado March 7 at 9 a.m. in Flagstaff.