Chasing 70: Rijal aims to become the winningest singles player in Luther tennis history

Norse tennis player Utsab Rijal (‘10) is chasing history. With three regular season team matches left, the Iowa Conference Championships and the national tournament, Rijal needs just seven singles victories to reach 70 for his career and become Luther’s winningest singles player in team history.

A native of Kathmandu, Nepal, Rijal has collected 142 total individual victories during his four years at Luther and contributed to 125 team victories. He is also a part of a senior class that has won the Iowa Conference Championship every year.

As the player with the highest doubles winning percentage Luther history (79-34, .699), Rijal has the opportunity to hold two highly sought records.

“It means a lot to me,” Rijal said. “I already have a doubles record. To add a singles record would be special.”

Rijal is currently on a late-season roll. After singles victories against Northwestern College (Minn.) and Buena Vista University (Iowa) this past weekend, Rijal has won nine straight singles matches, increasing his current season singles record to 19-7.

While chasing a record of his own, Rijal is focused on making team history as well. May 2, the Norse will face Gustavus-Adolphus College (Minn.), their fierest rival, in St. Peter, Minn. The Norse have never beaten the Gusties but feel they have a good shot this upcoming weekend.

“I am more focused on our match against Gustavus than any record,” Rijal said. “I want to go in and make history for the team.”

The match will be held at the Swanson Tennis Center and begins at noon.