There is a fine line between a good year and a great year.

The NIU men’s tennis team came within one point of crossing that line.

“We had a pretty good year,” NIU coach Pontus Hiort said. “We lost a few matches 4-3 [including the MAC semifinal to Western Michigan]. That would have turned a good year into a great year.”

Regardless of the loss in the semi-finals, the Huskies had a solid year. It was a season highlighted by improved play, long winning streaks and an impressive award at the end.

NIU improved from last season in its doubles play, Hiort said.

“We were a lot better at doubles,” he said. “This was a spot where we traditionally struggled.”

Senior Alex Friesen and junior Jimmy Chu held a 13-match win-streak at No. 2 doubles. The pair went undefeated until a loss April 13 against Toledo.

Junior Brian Livingston held a 14-match win-streak until the last regular season match against Western Michigan. The streak started Jan. 27 with a Livingston victory over Wisconsin.

“We got a lot of guys playing well [during the streaks],” Livingston said. “It helped to boost our confidence as a team.”

Even with the loss, the junior impressed the conference with his play. Livingston was named MAC Player of the Year on Sunday.

“It is a great honor for Brian and for our program,” Hiort said.

With a good season finished, Hiort is looking to build toward next season with many of the Huskies’ core players, including Livingston, returning.

“We are excited about the future of this team,” Hiort said. “We have good incoming freshmen to help strengthen us.”

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