Kikuchi and Rusnak Earns Postseason Recognition

NEW ORLEANS – Two Lewis-Clark State Men’s Tennis team members earned honors on the 2024 All-NAIA Unaffiliated Group Men’s Tennis team when it was announced Monday. Seniors Matus Rusnak and Itaru Kikuchi were awarded second-team honors. They are the first NAIA Unaffiliated team honors for both players.

“It is a very nice recognition for Itaru and Matus to be included in the list as we are in a tough grouping of quality ranked teams,” Head Coach Kai Fong said. “These two four-year seniors have positively impacted our program.”

Rusnak and Kikuchi were a constant in the No. 1 doubles spot together, going 6-8 on the season. The pair lost 6-2 in their semifinal contest against David Ekpenyong and Kyllian Savary of Our Lady of the Lake (Texas). Rusnak was 3-2 in doubles competition with three other partners. Kikuchi went 2-4 when paired with other partners.

In singles competition, Rusnak and Kikuchi competed in the top two spots.

Rusnak was 4-11 in No. 1 singles matches that included a loss in the match with OLLU and 1-1 in No. 2 singles action.

Kikuchi went 3-6 when competing in the top spot, but thrived in the No. 2 singles slot. The Kanagawa, Japan, native was 8-4 in singles matches in the second spot.

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