WAVERLY, Iowa - Wartburg men's tennis' rally fell just short as the Knights were defeated by Northwestern 5-4 on Friday, March 12 at the Meirink Family Tennis Facility in Waverly. Junior Lucas Huffman continued his hot streak when he took down his opponent at the No. 1 singles position in straight sets. 

The Orange & Black saw themselves in a 3-0 hole after the doubles competition. The Knights came away with four out of the six singles matches but it was not enough to secure the victory. The Marion, Iowa native Huffman improved to 7-3 in singles play and has not lost a singles match in three straight games. Freshman Cade Davis also pushed his season win total well above .500 when he came away with a straight-set win at the No. 3 singles position. Hunter Gerhardt and Jared Hefel concluded the contest for Wartburg with wins at the No. 5 and six spot. 

Singles Competition
1. Lucas Huffman (WAR) def. Brian Vanderberg (NW) 6-2, 6-2
2. Juan Mackery (NW) def. Jackson Eells (WAR) 6-3, 6-2
3. Cade Davis (WAR) def. Chris Jelken (NW) 7-6 (4), 6-1
4. Bradley Bourland (NW) def. Nile Petersen (WAR) 6-1, 1-6, 1-0 (14)
5. Hunter Gerhardt (WAR) def. Nick VanRijs (NW) 6-2, 6-0
6. Jared Hefel (WAR) def. Peyton Scott (NW) 6-4, 6-4

Doubles Competition
1. Brian Vanderberg/Juan Mackery (NW) def. Lucas Huffman/Jackson Eells (WAR) 8-5
2. Chris Jelken/Bradley Bourland (NW) def. Cade Davis/Nile Petersen (WAR) 8-2
3. Nick VanRijs/Peyton Scott (NW) def. Jared Hefel/Hunter Gerhardt (WAR) 8-6

Up next, the Knights will travel to Winona, Minn. for a matchup against St. Mary's on Saturday, March 13 with first serve set for 12:30 p.m.