As part of UIS Athletics' 15 Years of NCAA Division II Membership celebration, the department is highlighting 15 standout teams and 15 standout student-athletes who have shaped the program's Division II era. Each week, UIS features one team and one player, honoring the accomplishments, championship moments, and legacy-building performances that have defined Prairie Stars Athletics. 

The 2021 UIS men's tennis team delivered the most successful season in the program's NCAA Division II history, combining double-digit wins, postseason breakthroughs, and national recognition. The Prairie Stars finished the regular season with a 10-3 record before advancing to postseason play, officially closing the year at 11-4 overall—marking the fourth time in the NCAA era the program reached double-digit wins and setting a new standard for competitive consistency.

UIS opened conference play with a statement performance, defeating McKendree 6-1 for the program's best NCAA-era start in GLVC competition. Throughout the spring, the Prairie Stars posted dominant wins over several opponents, including a 7-0 road victory over Maryville on April 25 that secured double-figure wins and closed the regular season at 10-3.

The Prairie Stars leaned on veteran leadership and depth across the lineup. Menno Servaes, Tomas Martinez, and Matthew Lapsley anchored both singles and doubles play, while freshman Ivan Esguerra emerged as a key contributor as the season progressed. UIS finished second in the GLVC East Division with a 4-2 conference record, entering postseason play with momentum.

In the GLVC Tournament, UIS earned a historic milestone by defeating nationally ranked No. 17 Drury 4-1 in the quarterfinals—marking the program's first GLVC Tournament win. The Prairie Stars secured the opening doubles point behind a win from Nick Revin and Matthew Lapsley at No. 3 doubles. In singles play, Oscar Toro and Tomas Martinez extended the lead, and Servaes clinched the match with a decisive three-set victory at No. 2.

UIS advanced to the semifinals, where the Prairie Stars faced No. 5 Indianapolis. Despite the 4-0 team score, UIS remained competitive across the unfinished matches, highlighted by Martinez winning the first set at the No. 1 position. The season record improved to 11-4 as the Prairie Stars awaited postseason selection.

The breakthrough season culminated in the program's first-ever NCAA Division II Tournament berth. UIS was scheduled to face Hillsdale in the opening round before withdrawing due to COVID-19 protocols, bringing a premature end to what stood as the most accomplished season in Prairie Stars men's tennis history.

Individual accolades further defined the year. Menno Servaes earned All-GLVC honors and was voted the GLVC Scholar-Athlete of the Year for men's tennis. He led the team with 13 singles victories and 14 doubles wins, ranked third in the final ITA regional doubles poll, and reached the singles semifinals and doubles championship match at the ITA Regional Tournament.

The 2021 UIS men's tennis team, led by head coach Raul Quevedo, set a new benchmark for the program—combining historic postseason success, academic excellence, and competitive growth—to leave a lasting legacy in UIS Athletics' NCAA Division II era.

Explore the growing list of NCAA Division II 15 Years Anniversary honorees celebrating the legacy of Prairie Stars Athletics.