Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324

KENOSHA, Wis. (May 6, 2022) - Advancing to the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Tournament Finals for the second straight season, the North Central College men's tennis team defeated Augustana College 5-1 on Friday in the tournament semi-finals.

Andy Hinch and Colten Way posted the first win for the Cardinals with an 8-6 win at No. 2 doubles. In the No. 3 spot, Javier Suarez Balsera and Morgan Red rolled to an 8-3 win as North Central fell at No. 1 doubles to take a 2-1 lead into singles play.

Guillermo Gonzalez Fernandez took down Deepak Vayara at No. 3 singles for the Cardinals' first singles victory, 6-0, 6-4. Putting North Central just one win away from the clinch, Suarez Balsera earned a 6-2, 6-0 win at No. 2 over Leo Panosso. Securing the 5-1 victory for the Cardinals was Red, taking a 6-2, 6-3 win at No. 6 singles. Matthew Sengphommachanh and Colten Way each won the first set of their matches before the Cardinals won.

North Central looks to win their first CCIW Championship since 1961 and make their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament in program history with a win on Saturday. They will take on the winner of Wheaton/Carthage.

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