Huskers’ Aumueller advances as Men’s Tennis Competes in two separate tournaments

This weekend, the Nebraska men's tennis team will be separated to compete in two separate tournaments for the first time this season.

In Flushing, N.Y., tennis players Christopher Aumueller and Benedikt Lindheim began competition in the 2011 USTA/ITA National Indoor Intercollegiate Championships Thursday with a loss against Florida.

The No. 13-ranked pair were defeated by Gators Billy Federhofer and Nassim Slilam, 8-6.

Despite the loss, NU assistant coach Joerg Barthel said the two had a good match.

"They didn't capitalize like I would have wanted them to, but they still played well," he said. "They're now in the back draw and hopefully they'll finish in the top 10 spot. I'm excited to see how they do this weekend."

The two Cornhuskers will now compete in the consolation bracket Friday against Ole Miss.

"It was a tough loss for Benedikt and Christopher in doubles today losing a very close 8-6 match to a good Florida team," Nebraska coach Kerry McDermott said. "Sometimes winning and losing comes down to one or two points here or there and just executing your shots. Tomorrow they hope to bounce back."

In the singles draw, Aumueller defeated Duke's Chris Mengel, 6-1, 7-6 (2).

"It's pretty remarkable for him," Barthel said. "It's pretty neat to see him make the top 16 and I look forward to see him continue his run."

Aumueller, who is ranked No. 31 in the nation, will play Kevin King from Georgia Institute of Technology Friday at 10 a.m.

The tournament, which began Thursday, will run through Sunday.

The second tournament played by Nebraska will begin Friday as the Huskers will battle in the Gopher Invitational in Minneapolis. Competition will be held at the Baseline Tennis Center and will run through Sunday.

While Aumueller and Lindheim are in New York, teammate Andre Stenger will play at the No. 1 spot in the lineup for the Huskers this weekend in the tournament.

"He'll be playing the best players from Minnesota, Notre Dame and Denver," Barthel said. "I also can't wait to see how he plays against them because they play fast singles. He has some pressure on his shoulders this weekend because he needs to show us he can compete against the best."

Barthel added that Stenger will be paired with Robert Schulze and Eric Sock in Minnesota and is intrigued to see his presence in doubles kick-off this weekend.

"Sock and he had a good tournament at the All-American and they finished in the top 16," he said. "He'll be mostly playing with Robert and I have a lot of faith in the two playing well together this weekend."

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