INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – After posting a perfect 8-0 Horizon League record and capturing the 2024 #HLTennis North Division Regular Season title, the Cleveland State men's tennis team had three earn postseason accolades from the league; Lincoln Battle, Mikael Erler and Brian Etzkin.
Battle was named the 2024 Freshman of the Year along with earning a spot on the First Team, while Erler was named to the All-League Second Team and Etzkin was tabbed the 2024 Coach of the Year.
LINCOLN BATTLE | FR | FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR
Battle picks up Freshman of the Year honors after posting an 18-8 overall record this season, including a 7-1 mark against league opponents. Battle, who spent the majority of the spring season at the top of the singles lineup, finished with a 16-6 record in dual matches.
During the season, Battle picked up Horizon League Singles Player of the Week accolades six times, marking a league best for the year.
In doubles, Battle has teamed with Devin Boyer for the entire season, owning an 18-5 overall record – with the 18 wins tied for the team lead this year and tied for ninth in the CSU Single-Season Record Book. Against league opponents the duo owns a perfect 8-0 mark, with all of their matches coming at No. 3 doubles.
Battle is the sixth Viking to be named Freshman of the Year, and the fourth over the last seven seasons.
MIKAEL ERLER | SR | SECOND TEAM
Erler has been named to the All-League Second Team following a perfect 8-0 regular season record against league opponents playing at the No. 2 spot. Overall this season, Erler owns an 18-9 record, including a 13-6 mark during dual matches.
Earlier this season, Erler recorded his 50th singles victory during his time at Cleveland State, becoming one of just two active Vikings to reach the milestone.
Entering #HLTennis Tournament play, Erler is on a team-best 10-match win streak.
This marks the third straight season that Erler has earned All-League honors, also earning a spot on the Second Team last year and picking up First Team accolades as a sophomore.
BRIAN ETZKIN | COACH OF THE YEAR
Etzkin was named the Coach of the Year after guiding the Vikings to their second straight #HLTennis North Division Regular Season title following a perfect 8-0 #HLTennis slate. Entering tournament play, the Vikings own a 19-6 overall record, marking the 12th time under Etzkin's guidance that the Vikings have eclipsed the 15-win mark.
Last weekend's victory over Youngstown State extended Cleveland State's current win streak to 11 straight matches, with the Vikings serving as the only league team to record 10+ consecutive wins this season.
This marks the sixth Horizon League Coach of the Year honor for Etzkin – making him the only coach in league history to earn the honor six or more times.
