MOBILE, Ala. – The Embry-Riddle men's tennis team (20-2) will play its first match against outside competition since winning the Sun Conference tournament title three weeks ago when they take on Northwestern Ohio in the second round of the 2012 NAIA Men's Tennis National Championship. ERAU is the No. 1 seed in the 24-team tournament and subsequently received a first-round bye.

Following a two-hour practice on Tuesday morning, the Eagles used a few hours on their free day to participate in a Champions of Character activity organized by the NAIA. All 10 members of the Eagle squad visited a local elementary/middle school where they engaged students in a variety of tennis activities and educated them on the five core Champions of Character values of respect, integrity, servant leadership, responsibility and sportsmanship.
 
Embry-Riddle will be doing battle against Northwestern Ohio for the second time this season. The first meeting came on March 29 when the Blue and Gold topped the Racers 8-1.
 
Northwestern Ohio is making its first championship appearance since 2000 and advanced to the second round by way of a 7-2 defeat of Lewis-Clark State on Tuesday. The Racers are currently 14-7 on the year.

The Eagles are scheduled to take the court against UNOH at 9 a.m. (CST) on Wednesday.