TUSCON, Ariz. – Following their first defeat of the season against University of Arizona (receiving votes nationally in the preseason poll), the UC Riverside Highlanders battled against Northern Arizona on January 20 on the final leg of their road trip to open the 2020 season. The Highlanders would ultimately fall in the fight against NAU, suffering a 5-2 loss before heading home to Southern California.
 
After dropping all three Doubles matches, the Highlanders looked to secure points in Singles play. Gilbert Chung would successfully win his #2 Singles match against Facundo Tumosa 7-5, 6-4. Nikita Horunzhy would be the only other Highlander to clinch a singles match. He fought to defeat his opponent in the #6 Singles flight which went to three sets, 2-6, 6-4, 7-5.
 
Despite a tremendous effort on little rest, the Highlanders were unable to defeat NAU but begin the season with a 3-2 record to start the 2020 season. Coach Mattias Johansson commented on the match, saying, "Tough 5-2 loss today – the guys ran out of gas. Time to get home to prepare for the next match!"
 
The Highlanders have a couple of days rest to prepare for their home opener on January 26 at 3:30 PM against UC San Diego at the SRC Tennis Courts.