ITA Rankings

THIBODAUX, La. – After an impressive start to the 2014 spring season, Nicholls State University sophomore Nico Mertens ranked at No. 69 on the ITA Division I Men's Tennis rankings as the organization issued its latest list Tuesday evening.

Mertens, a sophomore from Hilden, Germany, is 3-1 in singles this season, highlighted by a win over Texas A&M's Jeremy Efferding, who came into the matchup as the 13th-ranked player in the nation. Merten's lone setback in singles came against No. 73 Tulane, which halted his three-match winning streak.

"Nico epitomizes what I look for in a recruit – he has the heart of a lion, he possesses immense self belief, and he has the humility to listen and continue to learn," said Nicholls tennis head coach Meenakshi Sundaram. "He needs to be very proud of this accomplishment considering we do not get the opportunity to play too many ranked schools."

The reigning Southland Freshman of the Year, Mertens has already claimed one conference player of the week award this season after just three weeks of competition. Along with his great start in singles, he posts a 3-1 record in doubles after winning his last three matches.

"This is an awesome moment for Nicholls tennis and I am so proud of him," Coach Sundaram said. "With this being the first NCAA ranked player in Nicholls history, it is a special achievement for this young team and I intend on pushing them harder to reach their potential. Nico's achievement will now set the bar for the rest of the men and women on the teams to demand more out of themselves."

The men's team will open up conference play on Saturday, Feb. 15 against Oral Roberts. The teams will play on a neutral court in Monroe, La., with first serve scheduled for 11 a.m.